United we stand: Horticulture has shown that the co-operative model is the way forward for the UK farming industry, writes Kris Collins

摘要

Secretary of state David Miliband made a rallying call to the farming industry at the annual Oxford Farming Conference earlier this month, calling for a shared vision on the future of farming. He highlighted consolidation and co-operation as major factors in realising his vision for driving forward a healthy industry in the face of increased competition and threats to market share. Speaking to delegates, he said: "We need to develop the confidence and security that comes from a shared vision of the future of farming. The industry needs to play its part by understanding that big is not necessarily beautiful, but small is vulnerable, so farmers need to consolidate or co-operate. "Farming in England is in transition. It needs to find new sources of competitive advantage, new confidence in its future, and a new place in the public's affections and perceptions."