THE Tenant Farmers Association has called on the Government to produce a forward strategy on food security and energy security for the nation.

Speaking in Cornwall, TFA National Chairman Greg Bliss said: "At a time when we are facing a global population half as big again in 2050 and when conservative estimates indicate we will need to double the current supply of food over that time, it is alarming that the Government does not appear to be taking a long term view of food and energy security.

Worse than that, the current raft of planned policies and regulations at a national level will do more to undermine the stability of the agricultural sector going forward."

The proposed new rules for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, cost and responsibility sharing for animal health and welfare, the removal of agricultural buildings allowances and the introduction of electronic identification for cattle and sheep are all misguided and could do real damage to the ability of UK agriculture to meet the nation's demand for food for now and into the future.

"The Government needs to be taking a long vie,." said Mr Bliss.