OKEHAMPTON has always been at the Centre of Devon's farming production and food processing industries; it has always been a good distribution centre, being in the middle of the county with excellent main routes.

If local food industries are to become mere satellites to a parent company they will naturally be the first to go, and this will inevitably affect other food suppliers.

Perhaps an 'umbrella' type organisation which could strengthen individual Devon businesses, might be an answer. It would seem a Local Enterprise Partnership is a good way to start.

It is unavoidable, when fuel prices keep rising, that foods and produce will also cost more. If milk producers and processors could be included it might help to maintain a fair price for milk. To their shame certain retailers have for a long time treated raw milk as a loss leader, selling it when processed at well below cost price.

The chief industry of central rural Devon is its food production, and always will be. It will always be needed in the future.

A Crampton

Oaklands Park, Okehampton