Farming Matters!
Farming Our Future
The Diocese of Exeter hosted the conference for the South West Region on 'Farming our Future' at Axminster on 1st November 2001. Those attending were farmers and church members from across the region. The Bishop of Sherborne welcomed all those attending the meeting. The Bishop of Exeter, who was unable to be present, sent the following welcoming address.
Conference
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From Rt. Revd. Michael Langrish, Bishop of Exeter
I am particularly sorry that I am not able to be with you at Axminster this morning, especially as I have been deeply concerned and involved with the various crises which have pervaded our farming communities in recent times.
The Future
of Farming
- where are
we going?
Having spoken to a number of farmers and others involved in agricultural work, I am only too well aware of the personal upheaval and uncertainty that has, quite literally, plagued our rural communities earlier this year. This has come on top of many other set-backs for the industry in a culture which has become over-dominated by the retailers, often at the expense of the producers.
Yet our society does not have to operate in such a way. Farmers and growers across the globe are now pointing out that civilisations themselves depend on those fragile top few centimetres of soil frequently in the custodial care of the farming community. The rhythms and seasons of life itself are embodied in our relationships with the land. To lose the skills and experience of such people will endanger our economy, our society and our ecology.
Agricultural Policy
- a personal
view
Land and
community -
developing
links
So I welcome today's conference and its aims to encourage local people to find creative ways forward for farming, for the community and the environment. It is an essential way of affirming that farming has a future, and a future which is underpinned by deeper values than instant profits and short-term gains.
The Christian understanding of Creation reflects the need for partnership - between God, people and all living creatures. Today is a sign of respect for our interdependence on one another and the vital role farming and agriculture have to play in this, both pragmatically and spiritually.
Farmers' Marketing
- opportunities
I wish you all a valuable and purposeful time of sharing together, and hope that the reflection and action which emerges will indeed suggest that 'Farming is our Future'. Thank you.
lst November 2001
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