15 November 2006 - Hampshire’s Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas heard about the challenges of organic growing first hand this week during a visit to Totton farmers Ian and Louise Nelson.

During a visit to his farm - Sunnyfields, in Jacob Gutter Lane, Totton - Mr Nelson told the Euro-MP there had been an upsurge in demand for local and organic produce in the Southampton area but that he found it increasingly difficult to find local people willing to work in agriculture.

Dr Lucas, South-East England ’s Green Party MEP and a member of the European Parliament’s influential Environment Committee, said: “I am delighted to see that the increase in demand for local and organic food is boosting business at Sunnyfields Farm.

“Demand for organic food is booming as more and more of us make the switch, to protect both ourselves and our families and the environment from toxic pesticides and genetic modification.

"It is vital that we grow as much of it as we can here in the UK, both to cut the greenhouse gas emissions produced by transporting produce huge distances – and to better protect our national food supply.

“Although food security has not been an issue for most in the UK for several decades, it will become increasingly important as we face the reality of dwindling oil supplies and the likely knock-on effect of making imported food significantly more expensive.”

Dr Lucas’s visit was arranged by William White, the regional director of the National Farmers’ Union.

ENDS