AGRICULTURE & THE ENVIRONMENT

I have often wondered why we are so reliant on agricultural imports, when it is not so long ago that Britain was self sufficient in so many items.
Our new agricultural policies address both this issue, and at the same time set out how to save the environment. Our agenda is set out today by shadow cabinet member Nick Herbert.
Our new policy paper has five key aims: to enable increased production whilst protecting the environment, to promote fair competition, to reduce the burden of regulation, to further reform the Common Agricultural Policy, and to take action on animal disease.
‘Our Agenda for British Farming' sets out two major new proposals:
• The introduction of rules into the new national planning framework to prevent the development of the most fertile farmland, in all but exceptional circumstances.
• Fundamental reform of the Rural Payments Agency, appointing the Minister for Farming as Chairman of its Management Board, to improve accountability, reduce costs and drive up performance.
Key Conservative pledges are set out to:
• Commission within the first three months of taking office an industry-led review of all existing regulations with a view to reducing burdens without compromising standards.
• Introduce legislation on country of origin labelling if a comprehensive voluntary agreement cannot be reached.
• Ensure that all food served in Government departments meets British standards of production, wherever this can be delivered without increasing overall costs.
Nick Herbert has said "Labour has persistently under-valued British agriculture, failing to understand that we all depend on the production of food, while the countryside relies on farmers' stewardship of the environment. Despite its importance to our food security, the protection of our best farmland has been downgraded and the Government has over-ridden councils who have sought to keep in place local protection of this valuable asset. In this new age of agriculture, we need to strengthen the protection of our most fertile farmland and recognise its importance as a national resource for future generations."
Our Shadow Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister, added:
"Our Agenda for British Farming sets out practical proposals to foster a more productive, sustainable and competitive farming industry. British farmers safeguard our food security, maintain the countryside and provide the raw materials for the UK's largest manufacturing sector. This represents an enormous contribution to our national well-being and resilience. It is about time this was reflected by a government which understands the realities of farming and creates the conditions in which the industry can thrive."