Campaign for radical farming review begins

A new campaign for a radical review of farming was kicked off today by Friends of the Earth groups in 100 town centres across the country. The campaign urges Tony Blair to move away from the environmentally destructive farming practices which have led to repeated food crises. Farming should be overhauled so that it delivers pesticide- and GM-free food, a wildlife-rich countryside and a thriving rural economy. Individual members of the public will be asked to sign a card urging the Prime Minister to ‘put his foot down for real food and farming'.

Friends of the Earth has produced a Real Food and Farming Charter which will be used to pressurise the Government for a radical review of farming. The Labour Party manifesto promised an "independent commission to advise on how we create a sustainable, competitive and diverse farming and food sector within a thriving rural economy which advances environmental, health and animal welfare goals". The charter demands:

a halt on GM crops being planted in the UK until their safety and need are proven
an end to pesticide residues in our food
a third of farmland to become organic by 2010
support for local food producers and food markets
a fair deal for farmers who safeguard our future
moves to save our agriculture from unfair global trade rules.

Sandra Bell, Real Food Campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said: "It is time for a fundamental review of the way our food is produced. Tony Blair pledged a long term plan for sustainable farming - it's time to make him stick to his promise. We all need to put our foot down for real food and farming - for the sake of our countryside, our farmers, our health, and our rural economy".