A CHALLENGING but optimistic view of the long-term future of Ruby Country was last week delivered by Prof Les Firbank, director of Wyke Research, near Okehampton.
The 2008 Ruby Lecture in Bratton Clovelly Hall was entitled 'Sustainability of Ruby Country in a changing world — how can we tell when we've got there?'
Against a backdrop of growing population, scarcer resources and changing climate, Prof Firbank stressed that farming and food supply would have to evolve to survive.
But optimistically, he saw evidence of businesses already starting to adapt. He added that Ruby Country was ideally placed, with its farming expertise and landscape, to take a bold lead in developing a low-carbon, local food economy.
Prof Firbank concluded by saying: 'If we can do it anywhere in England, we can do it here.'
Cllr Dennis Bater, chair of the Ruby Country Steering Group, said: 'Les offered a well thought out view of the future, and although there are clearly unprecedented challenges, it is evident that Ruby Country has the potential, if we are brave enough, to set a very strong lead.'
Tom Dixon, Ruby Country co-ordinator, said: 'The Ruby Lectures offer a great opportunity to plug some real science and some real thinking into what we are trying to achieve, and this lecture was no exception.'