Farming Matters!
Farming Our Future
Land and Community
Mr Rob Brighton
Director of 'Land Heritage Trust'
Introduction
The government is happy with food in the hands of agri-business, but their scientists can't tell cows from sheep. (the mix up over brains being tested for BSE)
The name DEFRA has been ridiculed by many. Suggestions being:
The Welsh meaning is 'wake up' or 'useless'
Its Dorset name is 'Deaf Ear'
The Future
of Farming
- where are
we going?
If labelling was truly honest then people might actually buy British. The supermarkets however want food cheap, bagged (and stored for a month) from anywhere.
The public want safe, identifiable,accountable and local food and farmers need to hear that.
Agricultural
Policy
- a personal
view
Some basic facts
Moving food accounts for 38% of transport. Following September 11th we need to think carefully about food security. (The further we transport food the more vulnerable it is and we are)It is absurd to import apples when there are so many good varieties available here. We need also to stop distorting trade with subsidies.
Mass produced food has less nutrients ; e.g. You need 6 Golden Delicious apples for the recommended daily supply of Vitamin C, but only 1 traditional apple.
For every £1 spent on food only 9p goes to the farmer. This is true worldwide. In the 1950s it was the equivalent of 50p.
The divide is between those who care about food and people and those who do not. The issue is not globalisation but transnational competition.
Farmers' Marketing
- opportunities
COMSAG
Community Supported Agriculture
This is dependent on the relationship between the Producer, the Community and the Consumer and leaves room for Apprenticeship.
- a) The local community 'invest' in the farm; buying a 'share' or a 'basket' of the harvest.
- b) 'Shares' are calculated on an annual basis
- c) Donations or pledges can be accepted.
Farming is not just a business but part of the community. Church and small producer partnerships can provide a place where farmers can sell their produce.
Vision is needed
The biggest problem is the lack of vision.
Farmers are under too much pressure to cope at present.
We need to teach children how to cook. Britain is the only country in the EU where cooking is not on the curriculum.
The consumer needs to stand alongside the farmer. It is insane to sell sheep for £2 a head while down the road there are people who cannot afford to eat properly
Are people prepared to pay more to eat less?
Is food local, regional or identifiable?
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