Tony Blair has backed an overhaul in agricultural methods and practices during a meeting with farmers in Downing Street.

The summit comes in the wake of the Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food's report earlier this year, which urged farmers to become the "guardians of the countryside". Report author Sir Donald Curry attended the meeting, along with the prime minister, rural affairs secretary Margaret Beckett and representatives of the National Farmers' Union.

Forum Response: The Food and Drink Federation

A spokesperson from the Food and Drink Federation told ePolitix.com: "The FDF supports wholeheartedly the main aims of Sir Donald's report. We very much welcome the opportunity to participate in today's discussion. It is clear that now is a time for actions and today we set out how FDF and the manufacturing sector can play its part in achieving the aims of the commission.

"The manufacturing sector purchases around two thirds of the UK's farming output - around £11 billion. We want to sustain this market and see it grow.If farmers can produce what consumers tell us (and the retailers) they want to buy - we can sell it."