Staffordshire Local Food Production vital for Future

County council Leader Philip Atkins has put Staffordshire food production at the top of the menu for the future.

A report published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs predicts increased instability due to growing world populations, climate change and the depletion of natural resources.

County Councillor Atkins said Staffordshire was a leading agricultural player.

“It’s all too obvious now that we can’t rely on imports of cheap food from abroad and that our local farming and food industry is vital for our future health and prosperity.

“It’s a tragedy that nationally food and farming have been neglected for the last decade. But here in Staffordshire we have a superb future on our plates and we intend to promote food and farming to the full,” he said.

Staffordshire County Council is driving ahead a range of initiatives to encourage and support local food production, and the new county administration has promised to push the agenda hard.

“The county farms estate is at the heart of the matter, providing a launch pad for young and aspiring farmers getting into the business. We are working with the NFU and the farming lobby the put farming first.

“Our Taste of Staffordshire campaign and Shop Local campaigns are encouraging people to take pride in local produce. Buying close to home means high quality and healthy food for the family, and more local jobs.

“And with Climate Change the big issue worldwide food miles matter more than ever. Buying local cuts pollution,” Philip said.

NFU County Chairman Robert Lockhart said Staffordshire was a county with enormous farming energy and rich soils.

“We grow everything here, from wonderful dairy and meat products, grain, fresh fruit and vegetables, even Staffordshire wine.

“How we farm can have an enormous impact in protecting the resource base for the future. We will have a major role in growing energy crops and producing sustainable materials for industry too. We need to work in partnership with local councils and the regional development agency to make it happen.

“We are the guardians of the natural world – farming for landscape and wildlife too. Farming is the industry of the future,” he said.