NFU encouraged to push for greener farming

The NFU claims excessive environmental regulation is "squeezing the life" out of the industry. Friends of the Earth called on the organisation to put more effort into lobbying the Government to help members follow the environmental regulations.

"Instead of whingeing about measures designed to protect both the environment and consumers, the NFU should put more effort into helping growers save money; by cutting chemical inputs, saving energy and converting to more sustainable methods of farming," said Sandra Bell, Friends of the Earth Real Food Campaigner. "There is a huge demand for organic produce, yet UK farmers miss out on sales as most of the demand is met from abroad. Revenues from the proposed pesticides tax should be recycled back to farmers through policies that encourage chemically intensive farms to convert to greener methods of production. And EU subsidies should be redirected to farmers who deliver environmental benefits."