Environment Minister meets rock star during visit to CLA Game Fair

Environment Minister Richard Benyon today (Friday, 23 July) visited The CLA Game Fair, launching the improved CALM carbon calculator, meeting local children, and talking cheese with former rock star Alex James.

Accompanied by CLA President William Worsley, Mr Benyon, Under-Secretary of State at Defra, clearly enjoyed his tour which followed his appearance at the CLA President's Debate.

He presented a food award to veteran local food campaigner Henrietta Green, of Foodlovers Britain.

Mr Benyon said Henrietta's work was "fantastic" and added: "I am passionate about local food. I have been involved in a local food initiative in my constituency in Newbury and I love to support farm shops and farmers' markets."

Henrietta said: "I am flattered and honoured to receive this award. I have been involved with local food for 30 years and seen the changes in people's attitude to it. It is thrilling."

Mr Benyon met up with former rock star turned cheese producer Alex James, who rose to fame through the hit group Blur, at the CLA Village, where they discussed cheese.

Alex James said: "People love cheese in the way they love music and football."

He was highly enthusiastic about The CLA Game Fair. "This is my first time at The CLA Game Fair, and I am very much enjoying it. The whole rural world is here – there is something for everybody. I will certainly come again."

Mr Benyon launched the revamped CALM carbon calculator which he called "extremely valuable".

He said: "Every sector in the economy needs to do its bit in cutting emissions and fighting dangerous climate change, and farming is no exception. We welcome the work that's been done on the CALM calculator. I hope it will prove to be increasingly valuable in helping farmers become more aware of the carbon footprint of their farms."

Mr Benyon, who was shown the new CALM calculator by CLA Vice-President Henry Robinson, said how much the project had advanced since he had last looked at it a year ago.

Ian Bailey, Head of Rural Research at Savills who sponsor the calculator, said: "It is excellent the Minister shows such interest in the CALM calculator."

CLA President William Worsley said: "The Minister has a great knowledge and love of the countryside and has evidently enjoyed his time at The CLA Game Fair."

Contact

James Sheward
Interim Director of Public Affairs

James, as interim Head of Public Affairs, is responsible for the CLA's political strategy, parliamentary lobbying and campaigns.

T: 020 7460 7957
F: 020 7235 4696
james.sheward@cla.org.uk

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ollie.wilson@cla.org.uk

Lisa O'Brien
National Press Officer

T: 020 7460 7934
lisa.obrien@cla.org.uk

Out of hours: 020 7201 9511

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Food and Farming Minister visits The CLA Game Fair
[News Archive]
[23 July 2010]

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