15 minutes with...

The CLA

“15 Minutes With…” is a snapshot of life in the countryside, told by the people who shape it. Each episode features a short, engaging conversation with a landowner, farmer, rural business owner or key political voice. In just 15 minutes, we explore their work, their challenges, their ideas for the future — and the lighter moments that make rural life unique.  From the Country Land and Business Association (CLA)

Jaksot

  1. 1 PV SITTEN

    15 minutes with...Ian Pigott

    Open Farm Sunday: 20 Years of Reconnecting Britain with Farming Join us for a special conversation with Ian Pigott, founder of Open Farm Sunday, as we celebrate two decades of this transformative initiative. Since 2006, Open Farm Sunday has welcomed 3.2 million children onto British farms, bridging the gap between urban communities and agricultural life. In this episode, Ian shares: The inspiration behind Open Farm Sunday and its Danish rootsPowerful stories of children transformed by farm experiencesWhy honest, transparent storytelling about farming mattersThe challenges and opportunities in agricultural careersHow initiatives like Clarkson's Farm are changing public perceptionThe future of farmer-led communication in an uncertain worldWhether you're involved in agriculture, education, or simply curious about where your food comes from, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of opening farm gates and sharing authentic stories.

    17 min

  2. 6.2.

    15 Minutes With…Baroness Minette Batters

    CLA Land Use Chief Susan Twining sits down with Baroness Minette Batters to discuss her groundbreaking Farming Profitability Review and life in the House of Lords. Minette shares insights on the disconnect between rural and urban Britain, why agriculture's true economic value is vastly underestimated, and her vision for a partnership approach between government and the farming industry. From the challenges of influencing legislation to the exciting opportunities for UK agriculture to lead the world in sustainable food production, this conversation offers a candid look at the future of British farming and the urgent need for policy reform.

    19 min

  3. 30.1.

    15 Minutes With...Julia Aglionby

    CLA President Gavin Lane sits down with Julia Aglionby, Director of the Foundation for Common Land, to discuss the critical challenges facing England's upland farmers. Julia shares insights from 25+ years of living and farming in the Eden Valley, exploring why government policy struggles to support these vital landscapes. Topics include funding shortfalls in environmental schemes, the invisible contributions of upland communities, balancing conservation with food production, and managing the pressures of 20 million annual visitors to areas like the Lake District. A must-listen for anyone interested in rural policy, sustainable farming, and the future of Britain's treasured upland landscapes.

    17 min

  4. 23.1.

    15 minutes with...Abi Kay

    15 Minutes With: Abi Kay, Deputy Editor of Farmer's Weekly Join Jonathan Roberts as he sits down with Abi Kay to discuss the fractured relationship between politics and farming in the UK. From inheritance tax controversies to broken promises on food security, Abi shares her insights on why 40% of farmers are now planning to vote for Reform UK. Plus, she reveals the stories behind her most impactful investigations—including exposing a major meat fraud scandal and tackling difficult conversations about young farmer culture. A must-listen for anyone interested in rural politics, agricultural journalism, and the future of British farming.

    17 min

  5. 16.1.

    15 minutes with...Joe Evans and Eliza Ecclestone

    In this edition of 15 Minutes With, CLA Deputy President Joe Evans and Vice President Eliza Ecclestone tackle one of the most challenging questions facing rural Britain: what does it really mean to be a landowner today? Joe and Eliza explore the disconnect between public perception and the reality of modern land ownership, discussing why the term "landowner" itself might be a barrier to understanding the vital role rural estates play in the economy and wider society. From managing diverse enterprises to making long-term decisions for the countryside, they share candid insights about the misconceptions, the politics of envy, and the challenge of reaching both rural communities and urban audiences with their story. This honest conversation reveals the entrepreneurial spirit, hard work, and low returns that characterise multi-generational land ownership—and why finding new ways to communicate this reality has never been more urgent. About the Guests: Joe Evans, CLA Deputy President, manages his family's diversified estate in Herefordshire. Whitbourne Estate is home to an organic livestock farming enterprise, an events venue, forestry, and a care farm. Eliza Ecclestone, CLA Vice President, is managing trustee at St Clere Estate, a diversified estate with farming, forestry, festivals, and filming among other activities. She is also Chair of Trustees at Chevening Estate, the grace and favour home of the Foreign Secretary.

    16 min

  6. 8.1.

    15 minutes with...Daniel Zeichner MP

    In this episode of 15 Minutes With from the Country Land and Business Association, host Jonathan Roberts sits down with Labour's former farming minister Daniel Zeichner to reflect on his time in office. Zeichner offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at reshuffle day, discusses the challenges of cross-departmental collaboration in government, and addresses Labour's relationship with rural communities. The conversation tackles the controversial inheritance tax changes head-on, with Zeichner defending the policy while acknowledging the concerns of farming families. From the realities of ministerial life to the future of rural policy, this candid discussion reveals the complexities of governing and the difficult balance between political necessity and rural tradition. This episode was recorded before the UK government's partial climb-down on inheritance tax in December 2025.

    20 min

  7. 7.1.

    15 minutes with...Gavin Lane

    In this inaugural episode, host Jonathan Roberts sits down with CLA President Gavin Lane to discuss the government's controversial inheritance tax changes and their impact on farming families and rural businesses. Gavin shares his experience running a farm in West Norfolk, explains why the recent policy U-turn still falls short, and reveals the challenges of getting Whitehall to understand the countryside. From succession planning to economic growth, this conversation explores what's at stake for Britain's rural communities. Subscribe to 15 Minutes With for more conversations on countryside and land management issues. Learn more at cla.org.uk.

    14 min
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Tietoja

“15 Minutes With…” is a snapshot of life in the countryside, told by the people who shape it. Each episode features a short, engaging conversation with a landowner, farmer, rural business owner or key political voice. In just 15 minutes, we explore their work, their challenges, their ideas for the future — and the lighter moments that make rural life unique.  From the Country Land and Business Association (CLA)

Tiedot

  • Tekijä
    The CLA
  • Julkaisuvuodet
    2025 - 2026
  • Jaksot
    7
  • Luokitus
    Lapsille sopiva
  • Copyright
    © 2026 15 minutes with...
  • Ohjelman sivusto
    15 minutes with...
  • Tarjoaja

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