The BRC representatives covered four main points. First, that retailers are clear that rural food production must continue and that the countryside is about more than leisure and recreation. The BRC said that it was an essential source of food and one for which there is a demand.

The consortium also warned that the focus of the commission's recommendations and of future government policy should be on the unsustainable parts of the industry as agriculture is not always profitable and sustainable.

Third, that creating a customer-driven supply chain is essential. Signals from the marketplace must flow back to primary producers without the distortions created by the common agricultural policy, too many middlemen or other factors, the consortium representatives told the commission.

And last, the consortium warned that the farming industry faces major change, which must be managed effectively and guided by a strategy. 'Those in the frontline need to be fully supported,' the BRC said. 'These tasks are for government.' BRC director general Bill Moyes said that retailers also had a role in this, however. 'Looking forward, food retailers want to play a full part in a rural economy that is competitive, responsive to market demand, self-financing and one that meets public expectation of an efficiently managed countryside,' he said.

The commission was set up in August this year. Its remit covers England. It has been asked to report to the prime minister and secretary of state for the environment, food and rural affairs by 31 December 2001.

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