Speaking this week during a debate on farmers, supermarkets and food supply chains, Aberconwy MP Robin Millar called on supermarkets to highlight upland farmers’ contribution to tackling climate change and the importance of meat as part of a balanced diet.
Robin asked the Minister for Farming Mark Spencer MP:
“I welcome the support that the Minister is outlining, including that farmers should be paid a fair price. Right now, in Aberconwy, upland farmers are being told that their land is no good and that it would be put to better use if planted with trees to help the environment. They are being told that meat is not a good part of the diet and that they should not raise livestock.
“Does he agree that meat does form part of a balanced diet, that raising livestock is among the best of upland farming practices, and that supermarkets have a role to play in talking about that because they occupy a privileged position right next to the customer?”
Following the debate, Robin commented:
“British farming – including farmers in Aberconwy - has been criticised as a major contributor to climate change. These attacks are grossly unfair. British farming practices are sustainable, they also play a key role in addressing the climate change challenge.
“British beef and lamb farming are among the most efficient and sustainable in the world due to their extensive grass-based systems. We know that agriculture accounts for just 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions, but actively managed pastures and grasslands, such as in Dyffryn Conwy, are hugely effective carbon sinks, with several studies finding that grassland could be a more reliable carbon sink even than woodland.
“I remind those who love our landscapes, including the hundreds of thousands who visit Eryri, our National Park of Snowdonia, that the spectacular scenery they are enjoying is the product of the hard work of our farmers.
“Good quality meat, such as Welsh beef and lamb, is as important to a balanced diet as it is delicious. Supermarkets have a unique and privileged position to highlight the contribution that our farmers make to our environment and to our diets and I urge them to use their position to support our farmers at a time of rising costs, not see them as a cost to be squeezed in the pursuit of profit.”