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Devon's picturesque countryside and tranquil rural environment are key factors in its successful tourism industry.

But that could be under threat because changes in support mechanisms may make it economically unviable to keep livestock in the uplands - according to the CLA, the rural economy experts.

During the Devon County Show, the CLA hosted a debate to explore what will happen to the cherished landscapes if the livestock disappeared.

The panel of experts also examined the issue of food security and the role of farming and food production in the context of a maintained countryside.

CLA South West Director, John Mortimer, said: "Part of the problem is that many people - including civil servants and other administrators - do not understand the practical implications of relegating food production to a second string activity in the countryside - yet that has been a clear focus of government for the last decade.

"Now that climate change has forced the issue of food security up the political agenda we are having to refocus priorities - but part of the issue we want to debate at the show is what value people actually put on the landscape and the rural environment and we tackle the problem of keeping people better informed about the benefits a farmed countryside brings to the whole population."

Speakers for the Year of Food and Farming Debate' debate were Humphrey Temperley, a member of Devon County Council Executive, Mike Rowe Senior Agricultural Business Partner Clydesdale Bank, Gilly Greed, a local beef and arable farmer and well known local food advocate, Jeanette Ward, South West Regional Director of Natural England, James Wilding of land use consultants, Acorus and Patrick Stevens of Devon Young Farmers.

The CLA also examined how farmers could manage their carbon emissions.

The CLA's Head of Environment, Derek Holliday demonstrated the new CLA/ Savills designed web-based carbon calculator (CALM) which allows farmers and land managers to work out their carbon accounts while Winston Reed, of Greener for Life, will discuss ways of reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

3:34pm Saturday 17th May 2008

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