Miliband’s ‘net zero’ plan could remove 25% of UK farmland
Britain risks being crippled by a major food security crisis because of Miliband’s ‘net zero’ plans, MPs have warned
The construction of vast solar farms to help meet the government’s ‘green’ energy targets could lead to the loss of a quarter of the UK’s farmland, a study from a cross-party committee said on Monday.
This risks Britain’s food production falling by one-third over the next few decades unless urgent action is taken, said the report from the science and technology in agriculture committee.
George Freeman, who chairs the committee, said:
“We need to support farmers to grow more of our food. We’re heading for a situation where we could easily see a very serious food security crisis.”
In the past 25 years, the UK has lost over 1.8 million acres of farmland – a 4.4 percent decline – contributing to a 12 percent fall in food production.
Fears are now growing that the trend could accelerate as the Government ramps up its solar blitz.
‘Renewable’ energy companies are currently paying farmers over £1,000 an acre to allow the construction of solar panels on their land – around ten times as much as a landowner would receive in rent for allowing cattle to be grazed.
Miliband is currently pushing through an 8,000-acre “mega solar farm” in central Norfolk, which is part of Mr Freeman’s constituency.
“To call it a farm is an insult to a proud farming county. We simply cannot afford to lose prime farmland to meet renewable energy targets,” he said.
‘Food security is national security’
The report recommended that the Government focus on ensuring the remaining agricultural land produces as much food as possible.
This would involve developing high-yielding crops and faster-growing livestock, as well as protecting Britain’s most productive farms.
The warning came as a new poll found three-quarters of farmers were pessimistic about the future of agriculture under the Government.
According to a study by chip maker McCain, half of those polled said they had considered leaving the industry, while just four percent said they felt the Labour Government supported the industry.
“Farming is the foundation of Britain’s food system, and its importance to our economy and national food security cannot be overstated,” said James Young from McCain.
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesman said:
“Farming plays a central role in having a productive, profitable and sustainable food system. This Government recognises that food security is national security.
Through new technology, streamlined regulation and our nature-friendly farming schemes, we are helping farmers produce food for the nation – with our farming roadmap setting out our long-term visions for the sector.”
And if you believe that….
See more here telegraph.co.uk
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