CLA backs Benn decision on harvesting

Rural economy experts the CLA has welcomed Hilary Benn"e;s decision to permit the use of heavy machinery on wet fields to salvage what remains of this year"e;s poor harvest.

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "The temporary exemption Mr Benn has granted makes absolute sense in these trying times.

"It has been a most difficult harvest and it is vital farmers are able to pull out all the stops to maximise yield, reduce their losses and the knock-on effect of further increases in food prices.

"There are also serious issues for livestock farmers who face a dearth of straw for bedding. So we applaud a decision made in the interests of everyone."