Comment

IF anyone ever wondered about the attitude of the British government to farmers they need look no further than the press coverage of a recent meeting at Downing Street between the Prime Minister, the supermarkets and the NFU.

A government spokesman said the summit has been called to discuss the "crisis of rising food prices." In short, it would seem the government's view is that food prices are too high and should therefore be reduced.

I wonder how many Downing Street summits were held to discuss the crisis of low and falling food prices? I suspect none. How many were held to discuss the exodus of farmers from the industry because food prices were below the costs of production? Again probably none.

In my view, food prices have been far too low for a very long time and they must rise much further yet. Whilst the recent increases in farmgate prices have been most welcome it was only starting from a point where farming was uneconomic. As costs have risen nearly as much - especially feed, fertiliser and diesel - production is now barely economic again. As such further increases in prices are required to ensure the industry remains viable and is able to re-invest for the future.

The long period of time where farmgate prices were below the cost of production has meant that there is a huge amount of catching-up to do in terms of investing in new building and farm equipment.

The government is right to say there is a "crisis" in food prices. However, this is not because they are too high but because they are too low. I hope when Mr Kendall met Mr Brown in Downing Street he told him as much.

Forthcoming events: May 15, 16 and 17, Devon County Show. The Women's Farmers' Union has a stand at the entrance of the food hall. All are most welcome.

June 10, visit to Richard Haddock's farm at 11am. Afterwards there will be a lunch at Churston golf club.

To find out more about these events or are simply interested in finding out more about the work of the WFU then call our secretary Ann Cross on 01398 361212.

4:00pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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