Food for Thought

Posting by Crops Editor Charles Abel:

Farmers must dig deep to back British biofuel, argues East Yorks farmer Edward Sharp in today's issue of Crops magazine.

Without a dramatic contribution to the national renewable fuels effort they risk missing out on yet another promising new market, he argues. Is he right? Or is it enough to sign up to supply contracts or petition government for more support?

Mr Sharp believes farmers should contribute an extra £1/t levy on all traded wheat to generate £15M a year to back the use of British wheat in bio-fuel processing. That could make a material difference, helping to underpin a major marketing drive. After all promotion is so often the key.

The resulting prestige and improved standing for farmers with the British public could be immense. What do you reckon?

Posted by Jonathan Long - Livestock editor

Ask many farmers their views of providing formal staff training and the simple answer will be: There isn't time for it.

"Time's money and there's none of it to spare" would be a typical response, but is it the right one?

After all, how can you expect anyone to do a good job without giving them the skills they need? How many of you would expect your accountant to undertake a spot of ploughing, or what about asking your plumber to do the odd calving on the side?