News
5th January 10
1/5/2010
Ulster Unionist agricultural spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA has welcomed the fact that the Labour government has, albeit belatedly, recognised the importance of food security after decades of neglect and people being driven off the land .
LATEST FOOD PLAN IS SHORT OF DETAIL & SUBSTANCE– ELLIOTT
Ulster Unionist agricultural spokesperson, Tom Elliott MLA has welcomed the fact that the Labour government has, albeit belatedly, recognised the importance of food security after decades of neglect and people being driven off the land . The 20 year plan to boost production in Britain announced by Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn at the Oxford Farming Conference was at best short of detail and substance to assist the agricultural industry in the next 20 years.
Tom said: “I have already stated my position that half the food eaten in the UK is home-grown with large amounts coming from elsewhere in the world. In the not too distant future this food will simply not be available. Farmers in the UK are adaptable and will, within reason grow any crop or farm any type of animals provided they get a reasonable return and unfortunately this report does not do anything to alleviate the power of large supermarkets over suppliers and farmers. The Labour plan does not advocate the appointment of an ombudsman to govern disputes between retailers and suppliers and this is one key element that our Conservative colleagues pledge that such an office is absolutely necessary to curb abuses of power from large supermarkets which undermines our farmers. Britain’s large supermarkets chains control 80% of the grocery market and many would suggest take undue advantage of their power. This food strategy for the next 20 years is akin to a nicely packaged meat pie but upon eating you suddenly discover that it contains “no meat”
We require action with a supermarket ombudsman and legislation to enforce honest labelling to curb abuses which undermines our farmers and act against the long term interests of consumers. During the war years when food could not be imported into the UK, we adopted a policy to encourage our farmers “to grow our own food” and encourage people to stay on the land and feed the nation, the same priority must be adopted in the 21st century. Governments could also demonstrate in a very tangible way their commitment to the UK farming industry, that every portion of meat/poultry/lamb or pork served in our hospitals/ schools and armed forces was sourced in the UK”
Back to other news articles...
