The impact of environmental initiatives on food prices will be on the agenda at the Devon County Show.
It will take place on Friday May 17 at 10.30am as part of an agri-debate hosted by the county's young farmers.
Titled 'The Green Gamble: will environmental schemes have an impact on food prices", it is organised by the Devon Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs.
The event promises to highlight the dramatic changes agricultural sector faces, from delivering environmental benefits to food production.
Notably, the debate is sponsored by NFU Mutual, the UK’s top rural insurer, and will be chaired by lord lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, a prominent member of the rural community and the regular chair of the Devon County Show debate.
Phoebe Turnbull from NFU Mutual South West, expressed her support, saying: “It’s great to see the organisation picking on some key themes and topics for the agri-debate that challenge and interest the audience.
"The debate is such a key part of the Devon County Show and we’re proud to sponsor the event”.
The panel will feature Ben May, Devon YFC’s AGRI chairman, and Claire Quick, an Exeter-based Rural Chartered Surveyor.
Ms Quick, a former county chair of Devon Young Farmers and a current employee of Kivells auctioneers, highlighted the significance of Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and environmental schemes.
She said: “We know most farmers would rather just be paid for the food they produce, but they have to look at other income streams.
"We are seeing many farmers apply for environmental scheme options that will work alongside their food production but there are options that will take productive agricultural land out of food production altogether”.
Devon YFC’s chairman, Dan Grist, said the debate would be one of numerous events organised by the young farmers at the Devon County Show held at Westpoint, near Exeter, from May 16-18.
He said: “This is such an important issue at this time, with farming facing so many challenges and the nation’s food security – and food prices – having such an impact.
"We are confident the discussion will prove lively and interesting".
Finally, this discussion will take into consideration the government's 25 Year Environment Plan, created in 2021, with aims to improve the environment and reduce carbon emissions by 78 per cent by 2035, with land management playing a key role in meeting these targets.
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