Green Food Project unveiled

The Green Food Project, announced by Defra at this week’s National Farmers’ Union conference, was “a genuine partnership between Government and industry”, Ms Spelman said, who added she wanted to “banish the myth that increased food production and environmental protection are incompatible”.

The move came after Peter Kendall, NFU president, last year questioned why Government had yet to create a food plan to look at how the nation would be able to feed itself in the face of growing population levels.

In a press conference, Ms Spelman told the Yorkshire Post the project would not be “at odds” with the previous Labour Government’s Food 2030 document but would look more at how food can be produced in a sustainable way.

“One we have answered that question then that is the key to exportable knowledge on how we can produce more food.”

Government is expected to publish the results of its findings in June this year.

Ms Spelman also acknowledged that last year farmers had borne the brunt of the dry weather, and said it was surprising that water use restrictions had not been more widespread.

She told journalists it was “more likely” that restrictions would be put in place during the summer after another unseasonably dry winter period, which has already seen southern parts of the country designated as being in drought.

Ms Spelman added that a “fresh approach” between farmers and the Environment Agency was yielding results, with both parties working together.

And she had high praise for the country’s farming industry in general, saying “to be a farmer in Britain commands respect”.