MEP SUPPORTS BEST OF BRITISH FOOD ROADSHOW

2.33.02pm GMT Mon 3rd Mar 2008

The Why Farming Matters campaign has been raising awareness of the importance of local British agricultural produce over the past months, educating people as to how it ends up on our plates. The NFU campaign is now taking to the road and will be appearing next week in Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Stafford.

Local Euro-MP Liz Lynne is Liberal Democrat Agriculture spokesperson for England and Wales at the European Parliament and has given her support to the campaign.

Speaking today Liz said:

"Farmers are the backbone of the countryside, not only providing us with food, but also acting as custodians of the Great British landscape, maintaining it for future generations to enjoy.

"This campaign is important in demonstrating the benefits farming brings to our society, highlighting the importance of British food and all it has to offer. I hope people will have a chance to taste some local specialities and learn more about their background when the roadshow stops in towns around the region.

"I greatly admire the skill and determination that the farming community has shown across the generations, particularly in recent years in the face of so much adversity. Crises such as Foot and Mouth Disease and flooding have pushed some to the brink recently but it is great to see that farmers rightly still have much pride in their produce."