Bishop's farming concerns

Farming in south Shropshire is in crisis because of flooding, foot and mouth disease, blue tongue and other set backs, according to a Bishop.

The Bishop of Hereford, the Right Reverend Anthony Priddis, whose diocese includes south Shropshire, today called on everyone in the area to support farming and the countryside.

Bishop Priddis said that the problems were so serious that he had raised them with the Diocesan Synod.

He said it was essential to support the farming community in every way.

Bishop Priddis said: "It has been a really difficult year in the countryside, with the appaling weather earlier in the year - warm in spring and floods in July - followed by Foot and Mouth disease and now Bluetongue.

It has been, and continues to be, a terrible year for the farming community.

"The media spotlight is shining elsewhere now, but the consequences of all this continues to affect rural areas." Bishop Priddis said the Diocese of Hereford covered the most rural part of England, including Herefordshire and South Shropshire predominantly.

He said: "Herefordshire has just been included in the restricted zone for Bluetongue, a disease affecting cattle and passed on by midges.

"Restrictions are expected to be in place for 18 months, causing more problems for farmers.

"Arable farmers were affected by flooding earlier in the year, leaving some potato fields washed away.

"But while the potato crop may be poor this year, the cider apples have flourished in the damp and wet conditions, so there is some good news."

Bishop Priddis added that farming was in crisis.

He said: "My main thrust is one of concern for an industry in a bad way.

"I have urged members of the Synod to keep themselves aware of all the issues involved and to offer support and a listening ear to farmers and agricultural workers.

He added: "We must support our farmers when we can and remember that we live in a world of interdependence."