Comment

Representation ID: 18958

Received: 22/02/2007

Respondent: National Farmers' Union (South East Region)

When forming coastal policy, adequate importance must be given to protecting agricultural land. Concerned that funding pressures will result in coastal management concentrating on working with natural processes without adequately protecting the economic and social values of the coastal zone.

Agricultural land must not be considered sacrificial â€" it has an economic value and is the principal capital asset of many farm businesses. The strategic significance of this land in providing food and renewable energy crops now and for the future generations should not be underestimated. Agricultural land when flooded by seawater is not easily restored to a productive state.