Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Rural Affairs Secretary, , has described ‘Back British
Farming Day’ as a “great opportunity to promote what is the
backbone of life in Wales and across these Isles.”
Back British Farming Day takes place today
(12th September) and comes as the Environment
Secretary, , introduces a landmark
Agricultural Bill – the first in 70 years – into Parliament today
with the aim of delivering a cleaner and healthier environment
for future generations.
The Bill sets out how farmers and land managers will in future be
paid for “public goods”, such as better air and water quality,
improved soil health, higher animal welfare standards, public
access to the countryside and measures to reduce flooding.
Commenting on ‘Back British Farming Day’, Andrew RT
said:
“The importance of enhancing and improving our levels of food
security across Britain cannot be underestimated and we need to
do more.
“Back British Farming Day is a great opportunity to promote what
is the backbone of life in Wales and across these Isles – and
that’s farming.
“Farmers are the original friends of the earth and custodians of
our environment. You simply cannot divorce agriculture, food
production and the environment and that’s why it’s vital
governments of all colours support this crucial industry.
“We produce some of the highest quality food in the world – but
it’s imperative we do more to secure the long-term future of
domestic agriculture and food production.”
And commenting on the introduction of the Agricultural
Bill into Parliament today, he added:
“This is a hugely significant moment for British Agriculture,
with the last act passed in this country all the way back in 1947
by Clement Attlee’s post-war government, which aimed to provide
price stability, lower food imports and increase agricultural
productivity.
“Since we joined the EU in 1973, much of our farming policy has
been written in Brussels, so the Agriculture Bill will provide
the first opportunity in decades to rid ourselves of outdated EU
rules and bureaucracy, and rethink the aims and basic building
blocks of agricultural policy from a solely UK perspective.
“So far the Bill introduced by contains some exciting
elements – particularly around payments and encouraging the next
generation of farmers – but it’s important we now see progress in
relation to UK-wide frameworks for agri so we can establish a
unity of purpose when it comes to producing food for our nation
and protecting our environment.”
