FARMERS TOLD TO GRASP NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Essex NFU council delegate Guy Smith reminded NFU members that despite a challenging economic climate, farming really mattered and the industry has a great deal to contribute to society as a whole.

Farmers must stay abreast of developments if they are to find new markets for commodities and non-food crops, he told the annual meeting of the East Sussex NFU branch at Uckfield on Monday.

Mr Smith reminded farmers to:

*Grasp market opportunities presented by the growth in green/ethical consumerism;

*Stay in tune with customers on order to understand changing consumer tastes, lifestyle choices and ethics;

*Remember the industry is well placed to make a contribution in the battle against climate change. British farmers and growers are already poised to grow the green fuels and power sources of the future and must work together with Government so that this embryonic industry does not become the subject of too much red tape

Mr Smith also talked about the role of signs and interpretation on farms. He said well-sited signs could helping consumers to recognise that the countryside is a living, working environment that is productive and it is the product of centuries of farming.