Farmers are the custodians of the countryside. Industrialised agriculture has smashed it up. We must establish this crucial difference in the public consciousness,
Neonicotinoids, pesticides which kill bees, will be permanently banned.
Farmland must be rated for environmental and bio-diversity impact. Farming practices will be eco-friendly and payment for protecting the land, flora and fauna will compensate for loss of earnings from intense production. Ploughing restrictions will be extended to maize; currently exempt, this crop causes the worst run-off flooding issues.
The probability of livestock being replaced by cell grown “meat” products must be investigated and plans ready to make the smoothest and fastest possible transition. Thousands of acres may be available to transform into wildlife reserve. This will also play a part in delivering our carbon reduction commitments.
A program of oak tree planting will be introduced.
Tax breaks will be made available to micro-fermenters; our wine industry will grow with global warming, and we will encourage a boom in wine production similar to the one experienced by the beer industry. A big thanks to Gordon Brown for getting that right.