NFU warns against short term solutions for climate change

The NFU has warned simplistic sound bites from celebrities will not help solve the complex issue of climate change. The statement comes ahead of Sir Paul McCartney’s speech to the EU Parliament tomorrow where he is expected to repeat his calls for people to give up meat for ’meat-free Mondays’.

NFU President Peter Kendall has urged those involved in the climate change debate to keep emissions from UK livestock in perspective rather than laying the burden of blame at the door of livestock farmers.

"We keep hearing how we should eat less meat to save the planet but this simplistic sound bite does not help solve what is a very real and complex situation", said Mr Kendall. "Sir Paul McCartney is a well-respected musician but he should not be using this debate to further what are his personal, strident vegetarian beliefs. This is just unhelpful.

"We see the UK car industry is praised for and encouraged to produce more efficient and environmentally friendly cars, which will be needed for our low carbon future. I strongly believe food producers in this country should be treated in the same way.

"The idea of giving up meat or reducing our national herds and flocks is unnecessary. Instead we need to see more investment made in agricultural research and development to help farmers and growers produce more efficiently. We need to work with our food producers not alienate them and we can’t simply export production and emissions abroad.

"The industry is already working to reduce its impact on the environment but those looking for a silver bullet will be disappointed. We need to retain a productive and profitable agricultural sector by using much smarter technologies which result in a greener way to grow food. We must not forget that our farmers and growers are being asked to step up to the challenge of producing more food to feed a growing global population, all the while reducing their impact on the environment.

"This week’s Change in the Air report by the English Beef and Lamb Executive makes a great start, looking at the current emissions challenge facing the sector and what can and will be done to further reduce its impact. I believe that practical solutions are already being found and we should focus our energies on encouraging the uptake of such solutions and developing longer-term solutions.