We are urgently developing research requirements with other European laboratories to make sure we understand and the disease (Schmallenberg) better.Farming can deliver on food security - CLA
THE UK Government was told today (Tuesday, August 18) that farming can deliver food security – but producers must have sustainable prices in return.
The call for ‘a clear and positive signal’ from both Westminster and the Welsh Assembly came on the opening day of the Pembrokeshire County Show from the CLA’s regional chairman, Walter Simon.
He wants Environment Secretary Hilary Benn to back his call for a ‘radical rethink’ of how the UK produces its food with decisive action.
Mr Simon, who grows potatoes for ASDA in South Pembrokeshire, said it was encouraging that DEFRA had finally recognised what the association had been proposing for some time.
But he also warned that the crucial factor was sustainability and that depended both on market returns and investment in research and development.
He said: “The big issue is getting sensible returns for farmers and a change of emphasis from central government should enable our far more positive Welsh Assembly Government to go even further.
“Financial sustainability needs to be much higher up the agenda so that retailers are more aware that they need to sustain and protect their supplier base.
“Farmers and growers can only produce if they are paid to do so and if they are confident of the market.
“We also need investment in research and development because the environment we are working in is changing.
“We will have to contend with the implementation of the water framework directive and the sustainable use of pesticides directive means we will lose some very effective active ingredients.”
Climate change was another factor the rural economy would have to adapt to.
Readers' comments (2)
If only I were PM | 19 August 2009 11:06 am
What an ingenius idea - who would have thought farming could contribute to food security? Sorry for my sarcasm but seriously how many experts and years of research does it take to come up with such an innovative plan?
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R Goldman | 24 August 2009 6:20 pm
To all Concerned...
Reading the article above , I believe the only way forward with the economics as they stand today, (i.e getting sensible returns for farmers.....) is for farmers to sell their produce directly to the consumer at significantly lower prices than the supermarkets -just think what could be saved with lower freight costs and less packaging!
However, just like the supermarkets, direct sales would be at significant volumes, in towns and cities, and not from rural farm shops.
For the past few years I have been developing a concept of a SEVEN DAY farmers' market in the London area - Somewhere accessible to the urban shopper but offering produce at significantly lower prices than currently available at supermarkets.
The retailer, farmer and consumer would benefit from sales in a much more equitable way than the supermarkets currently dictate.
My background is both in property and volume food sales and I would like to meet and talk to farmers interested in this concept. I am not interested in wholesalers, middle men or retailers. If you are curious, a farmer and/or rearer/butcher and would like a more detailed discussion I would be keen to talk to you.
I am looking for the following produce initially- Fruit, Vegetables, Dairy,
Poultry & Eggs, Pork, Beef, Lamb, Fish, Cider & Wine, Honey etc.
I would welcome contact via email at this stage. Hope to hear from you. Thanks
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