FWi LETTER OF THE WEEK

"So Guy Smith and Graham Harvey have been having a spat about green pastures," writes FW reader Jack Caley.

" Although I have great respect for Guy and, usually, little time for Graham’s extreme views, a recent visit through France made me think about sustainable production.

"In the foothills of the Pyrenees there is an area known as "La region de les vaches de vaux". Several different breeds, including Limousin, Charollais and Salers, are common. The tranquil herds and the peaceful green countryside present an idyllic scene. And the beef in the restaurants is fantastic.

"We too have marvellous herds, especially up in Scotland with the Aberdeen Angus, but nowhere near the scale that you see as you travel through France. How do they manage to maintain their agriculture?

"Should we not support beef and sheep farmers more effectively? That would support a sustainable world and help more people to enjoy a good steak rather than chicken nuggets."

What do you think? Is the grass greener in France? What could Whitehall learn from Paris about sustaining rural communities? Join our forum debate.

Also, have your say on our previous Letter of the Week forum Organic farming won't feed the world