28/06/06
The era of cheap food on world markets is coming to an end and
Britain’s world class farmers and growers can look forward
to a future in which the productive capacity of their industry
is once again appreciated to the full. This was the message from
NFU President Peter Kendall during last night’s National
Farming Awards dinner.
In his speech Mr Kendall said: “I am convinced rising world
population, growing wealth in India and China, the prospect of
climate change reducing production in some parts of the world and
the huge increases we are seeing in renewable energy production
from the land will combine to draw the curtain on an era of cheap
world food. I am also convinced production agriculture will be
more and more important to this country.
“I am not advocating an all out pursuit of production at
the expense of the landscape or the environment. We must farm with
sensitivity to our footprint. But we can do that. We can find smart
solutions that enable us to farm while improving our environmental
performance.”
During the dinner Mr Kendall was joined by key stakeholders, farmers
and growers in celebrating the drive, skill and enterprise demonstrated
by members – even in the most adverse circumstances.
He said: “When I look to the future I feel even more optimistic.
Farmers and growers in this country have not had an easy time in
recent years. As President I have had the opportunity to travel
around the country and meet farmers and growers, seeing their farms,
and I can tell you I am astounded by their skill and enterprise
and by the number of world-class businesses in this country.”
A home-grown menu, packed with local food including British beef,
asparagus and summer fruits show-cased farmers’ and growers’ success
during the awards dinner.
Mr Kendall added: “I have been involved in the judging process
for our winners and I have been greatly impressed by the quality
of entries. As I have said before these are representatives of
a world-class industry.”
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