Farming
We strongly support the countryside stewardship role played by our farmers. Farmers are crucial in maintaining and protecting the beauty and diversity of our countryside. Their opinions matter.
Population, globally and nationally, is growing. In the United Kingdom population is forecast by the Office of National Statistics to grow by about 10 million to 70 million by the year 2030. This is the basis of predicted housing needs.
At the same time, the cost of imported food is likely to increase faster than locally grown food because of higher transport costs. The need for a transition to a farming system less dependent on oil (such as organic farming) is self evident as is a need for growing food locally.
We must protect our farmland from development.