CPRE [1] today welcomed the recognition in the Government’s new food strategy, "Food 2030" [2], of the vital role of the countryside in the future well being of the nation, but cautioned against a return to environmentally damaging intensive farming.

‘We have consistently urged that the countryside should be valued not only as the source of our food but also for its beauty and tranquillity. CPRE’s recent vision [3] reaffirms our call for a future countryside that is both productive and beautiful.’ said Ian Woodhurst, CPRE’s farming campaigner.

However, in the past, intensive production methods destroyed much of the character of our landscapes along with important wildlife habitats.

‘A lot of public money has been spent on undoing the damage caused by the mistakes of the past, for example when hedgerows were ripped out in the name of producing more and more food. A rush to introduce new agricultural technologies, such as genetically modified crops, should avoid such damage which would be costly and difficult to reverse.

‘A new "Golden Age" for agriculture will require investment in both agricultural research and green farming schemes so we can continue to enjoy a beautiful countryside alongside sustainable supplies of food’, Ian Woodhurst continued.

CPRE also welcomed Government proposals to help consumers buy more local and seasonal food to reduce its environmental foot print. One of the aims of CPRE’s Mapping Local Food Webs project [4] is to identify how this could be achieved.

Ian Woodhurst concluded: ‘Farmers can benefit economically from the increasing consumer interest in local foods and food quality but for farmers to remain economically viable it is important to ensure the power of the supermarkets is controlled.’

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NOTES FOR EDITORS

1.CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

2.Food 2030 the first Government food strategy for 50 years aims to ensure consumers are given the information they need so they can choose and afford, healthy, sustainable food supplied by profitable, competitive, highly skilled and resilient farming, fishing and food businesses, supported by first class research and development. Food is produced, processed and distributed to feed a growing global population in ways which: use global natural resources sustainably; enable the continuing provision of the benefits and services that a healthy natural environment provides; promote high standards of animal health and welfare; protect food safety; make a significant contribution to rural communities, and, allow us to show global leadership on food sustainability. The UK’s food security is ensured through strong British agriculture and international trade links with EU and global partners, which support developing economies.

3.CPRE launched 2026 - A Vision for the Countryside in May, setting out a positive and optimistic vision for the future of the beautiful English countryside in 2026, the charity’s centenary year. The Vision’s key issues include: affordable, high quality housing; urban regeneration; Green Belts; better planning; green energy; local food and farming; quality of life; light pollution and valuing the countryside as a national asset. For further information go to www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/environment/2026-a-vision-for-the-countryside.

4.The Mapping Local Food Webs project is a national initiative to engage the skills and knowledge of local people to research the spread of local food networks from consumer to producer and their impact on the local community, economy and the countryside. In total the project will cover twenty two towns and cities across England. It aims to achieve better understanding of the challenges facing local food networks, to build links within communities between residents, shopkeepers, food producers and policy makers, and to create opportunities to influence local, regional and national policy and planning decisions. The project forms part of the Making Local Food Work programme, funded by the Big Lottery from 2007-2012.