CLA backs Benns call for UK response to global food security crisis

On the eve of the Royal Show, the CLA has backed Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn's new call to respond to the global food security challenge.

Despite opposing a House of Commons motion on Monday calling on British farmers to optimise food production, Mr Benn stated in the debate: "One thing is beyond doubt, and that is that the world is going to need a lot of farmers and a lot of food over the next 50 years, and it is the job of every one of us to respond to that global challenge. The truth is that all our lives depend on us getting it right."

CLA President Henry Aubrey-Fletcher said: "He is absolutely right – it is vital the British Government responds to the food security crisis, for example by increasing its investment in agricultural research and development.

"We would like to see greater recognition from Mr Benn's department, Defra, that the agenda has moved on and consistency between what the Prime Minister says and what Defra does on issues such as the future of set-aside."

At the Royal Show, the CLA will be pushing the importance of British food and British farming – through its Just Ask campaign for locally sourced food.

CLA Vice-President Harry Cotterell will chair a debate, British Food and Food Service Opportunities for Farmers, on Friday morning at the show in Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, with leading farmers and food suppliers among the speakers.