I hope the rest of the Conservatives think likewise.
We never get a farming minister, Conservative or Labour, who knows anything about farming and by the time they may have learned something they are shuffled round elsewhere.
The general publ
ic have shown their support, as have celebrity chefs for the local and fresh food, whether it be meat or vegetables.
Farmers markets, farm shops and gate sales have taken off, proving we must have our own produce.
The carbon footprint, global warming and the costs of imports would not justify full importation of basic wheat and cereals.
One national bread firm now boasts 100 per cent British wheat in its product.
When ministers are allocated their jobs by the new prime minister, the farming industries are awarded the dregs.
This industry was said to have kept the country from complete bankruptcy at the CLA meeting at Askham Bryan recently.
I urge concerned parties, general public and food lovers of local fresh food to write to MPs in support of British farmers, insisting upon a knowledgeable minister, whatever colour.
The NFU, EU, Cap, and Defra would be no more, including thousands of other ancillary businesses, without the farmers.
Can the country afford the loss? I think not!
Pamela Frankland (a life-long farmer)
Dunnington