The Government's Comprehensive Spending Review, announced today by
Chancellor Gordon Brown, offers welcome new money for farming. "The
Chancellor has given DEFRA an overall budget increase. The detailed
figures need careful checking to see whether Curry's full package has
in fact been funded - the Chancellor's reference to "core"
recommendations only is worrying in this respect," said Friends
of the Earth Food and Farming Campaigner Pete Riley. "DEFRA need
to spend the new money wisely. There have to be some clear environmental
gains. But there is also a pressing need to developing strong local
and regional food economies, aimed at improving farm incomes. Tackling
the power of large companies at the top end of the food chain who force
farm gate prices down must also be a top Government priority, if the
rural economy is ever to get back on its feet."
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