Environmental campaigner and award winning author Graham Harvey, from Minehead, took to the stage at Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Annual Conference and AGM to tackle the global food crisis.
More than 200 Wildlife Trust members heard from Graham about food and farming as he revealed how global corporations have hijacked Britain's most basic source of life and health – grasslands.
Graham said: "Down the ages human beings have produced some of their finest foods from animals kept on herb-rich pasture. Sadly we've now taken many of our food animals off pasture.
“By abandoning grassland we have damaged our planet, our animals and our own health. It's time to reclaim our world's greatest and most neglected resource – grassland.”
Graham was the key note speaker at the Trust’s conference on October 17 which explored food, agriculture and wildlife in a Living Landscape. With farming covering three quarters of the South West – equivalent to 1.8 million hectares - and contributing £1.4 billion to the economy the Trust’s work helping farmers to manage their land for wildlife and profitable business alike is vital.
“This is what we mean when we talk about a Living Landscape,” said Lisa Schneidau, Leader of the Living Landscape for Somerset Wildlife Trust.
“The future of most wildlife in Somerset is dependent on its farming systems and its farmers.
“We must find ways to help farmers integrate wildlife management with profitable business.”
Graham’s latest book, ‘The Carbon Fields’, explores in more detail the threats posed by rising food prices, increased carbon emissions and the health crisis.
Graham has worked as a journalist since the late 70s and is the agricultural story editor for the Archers. He has written for radio and TV dramas, including Legal Affairs and The Bill and his first book, ‘Killing of the Countryside’ was published to critical acclaim in 1997.
To download the PowerPoint presentations from the event, click here.
To download Powerpoint, click here.
