Norfolk MP calls for 'national conversation' on intensive farming
There have been 32 applications for so-called 'mega-farms' in Norfolk over the last three years
An MP in Norfolk is telling us that a 'national conversation' is needed around the future of intensive farming and the importance we place on animal welfare and food standards.
The call comes from Terry Jermy who's written to the Environment Agency asking it to help block food producer Cranswick from building a so called 'mega-farm' in the village of Methwold.
If the project goes ahead, it could house 14,000 pigs and nearly 900,000 chickens.
15,000 people have objected to these proposals - alongside International animal welfare and climate campaign groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which submitted a petition urging West Norfolk Council (WNC) to reject the plan.
It's gained 40,000 signatures so far, and comes as the Environment Agency's figures show there have been 32 applications for intensive farming sites in Norfolk in the last three years.
"Intensive farming obviously has a big impact on the environment"
Mr Jermy represents South West Norfolk: "My primary concern is the impact on the environment - intensive farming obviously has a big impact on the environment from a soil and water point of view.
"It also has an impact on animal welfare.... lots of farmers tell me they're really proud of the standards they keep and we must adhere to that.
"We need to look at better regulation in farming practices, after fourteen years of a Conservative government weakened that."
He also explained his worries about the impact on Methwold: "There would be an extra ten thousand HGV movements every year. "For some nearby villages they're already concerned about road safety... as well as noise and smells...
"We need to start a national conversation about support for farming nationally, looking into how it can become profitable and sustainable.
"There's no official policy on intensive farming."
What does Cranswick say?
Cranswick says it's working to address local concerns about the plans and investment, which it says will help improve food security.
A spokesperson for the food producer said:
"The UK imports a lot of pork and chicken as there is not enough produced in the UK to meet this demand," he said.
"The investment in our farms is made using best available techniques to ensure the most sustainable and efficient sites are developed and improve standards versus those already in operation.
"It also helps address the need for more security in the UK food chain."