FARMERS throughout the world are facing financial hardship and in many cases ruin.

Farming has always been hard work in all weathers and seven days a week for many but it is a way of life for farming families for generations.

The majority of farmers’ children these days are now not prepared to work for less than the minimum wage and are looking to do other jobs where they can earn a good living and be appreciated. It is very dangerous to rely on our food coming from other countries.

The main reason farming in on its knees is the power of the supermarkets, (as Tony Blair say about 10 years ago ‘They have the farmers in an arm lock’.

The answer is not with government but with every one of us. We need to support the farmers’ markets, the corner shop and the independent traders.

‘We are very fortunate in Tavistock to have three butchers, four greengrocers, four bakers, two health food shops and many independent shops of every kind in our town.

The reason that we still have them is that we use them. If you do not have small shops in your village or town it is that you, the people of that area, did not use them enough to make their business profitable.

If you support independent traders a much greater proportion of your money will be circulated in you area, not going to the huge multi nationals. I know that every pound that I spend in our small shops is helping to keep them in business. Long may they continue to prosper, that is the sure way of curbing the power of the supermarkets.

Please buy from independent businesses where possible; that will also cut down on the food miles travelled and help us maintain a viable farming industry for future generations.

George Mudge

Tavistock