Mick Bates is first AM to sign up to NFU's 'Why Farming Matters'

11.52.15am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 27th Mar 2007

Welsh Liberal Democrat AM Mick Bates has become the first Assembly Member to add his name to the NFU's Why Farming Matters campaign, joining personalities such as Lib Dem leader Ming Campbell MP, Forum for the Future's Jonathan Porritt and former Olympian Sally Gunnell OBE.

The campaign was launched to explain why farming is becoming more, not less, important to 21st century Britain and intends to challenge the notion that mainstream food production can safely be allowed to migrate to other parts of the world, leaving a dwindling number of British farmers and growers to focus on niche markets and diversification.

Mick Bates said:

"Farming is the backbone of the British economy and I'm proud to lend my support to this important campaign and equally proud to be the first Welsh Assembly Member to sign up to Why Farming Matters.

"The onus is on us all to safeguard the future of farming and I would encourage everyone to buy local because that way, not only are you helping the economy, you're helping the environment too!"