One of the region's leading land agents has welcomed, with caution, the Government's sudden change of attitude towards agriculture, announced at the Oxford Farming Conference.  

The Environmental Minister, Hilary Benn's, announcement to boost food production in Britain, reduce its impact on the environment and look at ways of making Britons eat more healthily, throwing less food away, was welcomed with scepticism by Balfours Property Professionals, Jonathan Lovegrove-Fielden.

He said that the New Labour policies decimation of the UK's livestock industry was mirrored by the ample increase in the nation's waistband.

"During its 12 years of power Labour and its policies have seen the UK's dairy industry slashed, with more than half the milk producers giving up production; whilst sheep and beef numbers have declined by a worrying 14% and 12% respectively. 

"The knock on effect is that we are now seeing prime dairy, beef and sheep animals at record prices. Now it is election year Mr Benn is at last recognising we have a rising population and changing climate means that food security, the availability of food, should no longer be taken for granted."

Mr Lovegrove-Fielden continued: "This is wonderful news.  As ever with politicians however we need to see how the proposals are actually implemented in detail free of spin. I personally would also welcome the prospect of a reformed Ministry of Agriculture and Food with its senior employees being recruited from agricultural backgrounds."

He said that high priorities for government action should be to address the power of supermarkets and dealing with TB diseased badgers in England. "The increase in the power of the supermarkets and use by the public of unhealthy takeaway outfits is only matched by the increased size of the nation's waist band over the same period," he added.

Commenting on the vegetarian habits of both Hilary Benn and farming Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick, Mr Lovegrove-Fielden reflects: "Would it not make sense for at least one of our two main farming ministers to be a meat eater?

Pictured Jonathan Lovegrove-Fielden of Balfours