Thursday 24th January
Caroline Spelman MP delivered an informative talk on sustainability. She spoke mainly about the state of the agricultural industry, drawing from her experience in this field. She also spoke about declining yields and the prospect of introducing GM crops. She then went on to address addressed the important and relevant issues of subsidies and wastage, suggesting that with rising food prices it was possible that these issues may, to an extent, resolve themselves. Mrs. Spelman explained how she expected food issues to attract more and more media attention in the years to come. All in all, the lecture was engaging and Mrs. Spelman's approach to the environment and rural affairs was pragmatic and clear.
Hugh Gatenby (RPDF)
