A CAMPAIGNING organisation set up 33 years ago by a group of farming women is on the lookout for more members – and with its national conference being held in Devon this year the time has never been better to join.

The Women's Food and Farming Union's annual conference has as its theme 'Food for Thought 2012'. The event, organised by the WFU's Devon branch will take place at Bicton College in April.

Devon WFU chairman Rosemary Berry, of Cullompton, said the organisation was not just about campaigning, it also offered social activities and was open to all.

'Members do not have to be farmers' wives – the WFU's roots are in farming, but we welcome people from all walks of life,' she said.

'The branch membership is slightly polarised in the south, east and mid-Devon areas at the moment, so we would love to see more members joining from the west of the county, particularly the Okehampton area.'

Rosemary said Devon WFU was honoured to host the national conference and delighted that many distinguished speakers had already pledged their support, including WFU national patron Baroness Byford and president Helen Bower.

'WFU has campaigned to promote of British food and farming for more than 30 years but never has there been a more important time for as many people as possible to understand the issues that affect the industry's future,' she said.

'Meetings can be about a variety of issues, we visit other farms or food businesses, we have visited the Environment Agency and the Met Office amongst others.'

But if all that sounds rather serious, Rosemary adds: 'We have fun make good friends – and members can suggest whatever activities they would find interesting.'

The conference is open to non members as well as WFU members and Rosemary said they look forward to welcoming as many people as possible.

The event at Bicton College starts with dinner on April 11 followed by the conference on April 12 and 13 April. Various conference packages are available.

The speakers include director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research at Exeter University, Michael Winter, who will talk about food security. Richard Ashworth MEP will address the question of CAP reform and Devon farmer Richard Haddock who will ask what is Fair Trade?

Caroline Drummond, chief executive of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) will look at how to feed an expanding global population while considering the environment, and celebrated Devon cheese-maker Mary Quicke, will talk on the challenge of how to get the right skills and technology to run a sustainable and profitable business,

Bicton principal David Henley will talk about inspiring young people and a YFC member will give her view of the future. Delegates will have the opportunity to visit the Bicton Environment and Renewable Technology Hub, college farm and equestrian centre.

Other speakers include Dr Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales and microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan. John Lee, chairman of Devon County Agricultural Association, will chair questions.

The WFU was set up in 1979 by a group of apple growers' wives, who were concerned by the threat to their livelihood from imported Golden Delicious apples. Since then the WFU has become a nationwide organisation with members from all sectors of British agriculture and horticulture.

Members work voluntarily to lobby Government, have representation at national and local level, on advisory panels and industry forum, work to influence decisions, and to get a fair deal for producers and consumers. The WFU has a presence at agricultural shows and goes into schools to give talks.

Its recent campaigns include drawing attention to the risks to animals, crops and property by Chinese lanterns. The WFU wants them banned.

Anyone wishing to know more about the WFU's activities can contact Rosemary Berry on 01884 32320.