The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, told a large group of local business men and women that over 30,000 food-related businesses had been created in the UK and college courses in agriculture were over-subscribed for the first time in a long time.
Delegates at this lunch meeting including a number of west Cornwall farmers and people whose business are dependent on a healthy farming industry, heard what the Government is doing to increase exports in British farm produce and to introduce clearer 'Country of Origin' labelling.
Derek Thomas, who organised the event said "Our farmers face a particular set of challenges not least the low price they receive for milk at the moment. Liz Truss clearly recognises these difficulties and her strategy to dramatically increase export markets for British-branded food products will lead to a more sustainable farming and food industry. Farming in West Cornwall provides a significant number of jobs and I want to ensure theses businesses have the opportunity to thrive" ,p>During her visit Liz Truss MP, met Bethany Chaplin, an agriculture student, from Porthleven, who keeps her own sheep and pigs. The DEFRA Secretary spoke of her work to simplify EU Regulation and reduce red tape in the industry. She also confirmed her support for practises such as LandShare that allow new farmers to access land in order to set up in business.
Lands Share is a Social Enterprise Organisation that connects people who work the land to people who have land to share.