The first contract between rural England and the government was announced by new environment secretary Owen Paterson this week, and its plans to boost the rural economy have received mixed feedback.
Under the new rural contract, countryside communities will have the power to hold the government to account on its promises to grow the rural economy.
The 20-page rural statement from DEFRA outlines plans to tackle red tape while boosting businesses with the introduction of 'superfast' broadband, rural business grants and Rural Growth Networks in order to create more jobs and economic growth for the agricultural industry.
"Rural economic growth is vital for this country and businesses should be free from the unnecessary government red tape that has got in the way of rural economic growth in the past," said DEFRA environment secretary, Owen Paterson, in his first statement since taking the post after the government's recent reshuffle.
However, organic charity the Soil Association believe the rural statement has not focused enough on the issue of promoting fruit and vegetables amid Britain's obesity crisis.
A Soil Association spokesperson told FPJ: "The government’s response does not take the lead that industry and the public need it to, particularly on the tough but crucial issue of sustainable consumption.
"It must address the key challenge of making it easy to eat a diet that doesn't seriously damage our own health and that of the planet."
Meanwhile, the Council for the Preservation of Rural England (CPRE) feels that DEFRA has crucially missed out on the issue of supporting local growers and their produce in order to boost the rural economy.
"The statement is limited by its assumption that economic development is unrelated to the natural environment and only by putting the environment at the centre of measures, to achieve social and economic progress, will the government help to support a sustainable future for Britain's rural community," explained Neil Sinden, director of policy and campaigns at CPRE.
However, the government's rural contract has been welcomed by CLA president Harry Cotterell who is encouraged by DEFRA's renewed focus on achieving growth for the rural economy.
“Long-term sustainability and the competitiveness of rural businesses are crucial in the present economic climate so It is vital DEFRA continues to understand the needs and interests of rural businesses as well as those who live and work in rural areas,” concluded Cotterell.
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