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Name: John Turner Occupation: Farmer Location: Nr. Stamford, Lincolnshire

Why do you support FARM?
We need an organisation that speaks up on behalf of the silent majority of farmers who feel they are poorly represented at national level by organisations such as the NFU. Ours is a mixed farming system, based on good animal and crop husbandry. We have an “open door” policy, where we welcome both the public and schools onto our farm, and through those visits, I know we share the same values about how our food is produced. While supermarkets and large brand names fight for ownership of the relationship with their customers by isolating them from the producer, FARM stands alone in rebuilding those links and representing our common interests.

What do you see as the main threats within food and farming?
The model of agribusiness that is being so heavily promoted by the multinational companies that control seeds, animal feed markets, chemical inputs and fertilizers is draining the life out of farming. As a result, soils are being degraded, natural resources are being eroded and food is becoming poorer as a result. The financial clout of these companies is sufficient to ensure they are well placed to have the necessary influence at Government level to ensure that legislation and financial support continues to build their prosperity.

Over the years, successive governments have shown sparse commitment to any long-term future planning for farming in the UK. They have measured its value in terms of contribution to GDP, as a tourist attraction and more often in terms of its potential liability.. In doing so, they have failed to recognise the real value of food, its quality as well as quantity, and the central role that it plays in society

The combination of ignorance at Government level and corporate control of the food chain is a dangerous mix and one that is compromising both farming and the science that supports it.

Who or what is needed to help sustainable farming develop?
The greatest force for change can come through the combined efforts of a relatively few organisations or even individuals. Farmers have traditionally seen their ability to be independent as a strength, but in dealing with the businesses that control the food chain, we can only survive through cooperation and mutual support.

The wider public has possibly the greatest influence on the shape of farming through each individual purchasing decision. Supermarkets claim to offer choice, but how often is that actually what people want to buy, or is it merely the best option of what they have to offer? It is up to us all as individuals to ensure we understand the relationship between the checkout till and the way our animals are farmed, our crops are grown and our landscape is managed.

What advice or encouragement would you give to others?
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world” (Gandhi)

We have the potential for a great future for food and farming in this country, but if we abdicate the responsibility of delivering it to our government or corporations, we shouldn’t be surprised if we end up with something that serves their purposes rather than ours.

The greatest danger is feeling powerless to bring about change and to accept defeat before even trying. The first steps are often the most difficult, but in taking them, you will become aware of the many other individuals who share the same values and beliefs.

Name: Peter Lundgren Occupation: Farmer Location: Lincoln

Why do you support FARM?
There is a desperate need for a farming organisation that can work to bring together the needs of farming, environment and the rural economy into a cohesive coherent whole.

What do you see as the main threats within food and farming?
The greatest threat is those who seek to use global events to promote their own hobbyhorse or commercial venture without understanding the implications of their actions on consumer confidence in farmers as provides of safe wholesome food and as guardians of the countryside.
Too often I hear farming leaders and politicians talking about ‘efficient’ farming as producing food to the lowest unit cost so that others in the food chain can add value. I would argue that truly ‘efficient’ farming provides the farmer with a fair return on time and investment and also enhances the countryside and supports the rural economy.

Who or what is needed to help sustainable farming develop?
It will take a strong partnership and real understanding between food producers and consumers to build a sustainable future for farming. Government can facilitate the process but ultimately it will take farmers to reach out to the public - and for the public to support those who reach out to them - to achieve sustainability.

What advice or encouragement would you give to others?
Don’t be afraid to articulate your views and concerns. Too often in this country we are afraid of what others might think when we express an opinion publicly. However in my experience, whilst some people might not share your opinion, they do at least respect your opinion and respect you for having the courage to speak out - and it’s often surprising the level of support that’s out there for those who express alternative opinions.
Its important that people do speak out because its only through challenging policy and the champions of change that we can go some way to ensure that the policies and changes we get are sound.

Name: John and Nicole Sanderson Occupation: Farmers Location: Suffolk

Why do you support FARM?
The 20th century revolution in agriculture has increased production beyond the dream of our grandfathers, but instead of bringing prosperity it has brought us an ever-increasing catalogue of pressures and problems. We therefore need a fresh approach and an opportunity to plan our future rather than follow a model that suits a narrow but powerful sector within the food chain.

What do you see as the main threats within food and farming?
Farming and farmers are stuck on a treadmill desperately flailing, clutching at every technology to extract a small margin of profit from the industrial conventional agricultural model developed over the past 50 years

Who or what is needed to help sustainable farming develop?
Stepping off the treadmill involves local food solutions, supplying local markets and outlets with the minimum of interference from the multinational giants that suck the money out of the rural communities in the same way that the major supermarkets suck the life out of towns. It is a long and difficult road but that is where my vision for farming lies. Farmers have been increasingly isolated on that treadmill we have to find a way to be rural entrepreneurs at the heart of the community rather than on the fringes under fire.

What advice or encouragement would you give to others?
Instead of worrying about achieving the best yield possible or the best growth rate farmers need to learn to listen to their customers. Not the buyer of your crops, but the consumers and general public who enjoy visiting the countryside as much as we enjoy working in it. Ultimately a dialogue will bring mutual understanding; we need public support in anything and everything we do.
If we have consumers on our side supermarkets listen, if we have the public on our side politicians listen.