BEEF farmers from across the North of England have been urged to attend a National Beef Association all-day conference at Craven Cattle Market, Skipton, later this month.

The event, on Friday, February 28, will discuss the implications of impending CAP reform on the UK industry.

The keynote speaker is Richard Barker, a solicitor who specialises in European rural issues and has unique access to the deliberations of European Farm Commissioner, Dr Franz Fischler's, inner cabinet.

He will be backed up by Robert Forster, NBA chief executive, who will summarise his view of the beef industry's future, and Clare Wise, project development manager for Meadow Quality Livestock.

"We know every beef farmer in the region is worried about the implications of subsidy decoupling and other radical reforms in the CAP mid-term review," explained conference organiser, Mike Keeble, chairman of the NBA's North Region Council.

"This meeting will give them a unique chance to hear first-hand what industry specialists are saying and it will be followed by an afternoon question time panel and debate in which the speakers will be joined by Northumberland hill farmers Malcom Corbett and Hans Porksen, and East Yorkshire cattle finisher, Eric Swiers."

The conference is free and open to everyone, but places must be booked by contacting Heather Stoney at Craven Cattle Market on 07798 731731