AGRICULTURAL leaders have got it wrong when they say that vegetarians and vegans don't like farmers — we do! However, the distinction is that we love our farmers who grow crops to feed us directly, rather than being environmentally wasteful by raising livestock or growing crops to feed farmed animals.

Much of Britain's agricultural land is used in this inefficient way, but it would make more sense to use that land to feed us directly. In fact, Britain could move towards self sufficiency if it wasn't for our unsustainable meat and dairy rich diets.

A meat-free Britain would also be kinder. We kill and consume nearly 900 million animals each year in this country.

People ask where would all the animals go if we gave up meat? Well, when did you ever see a field full of chickens? Hardly ever. That's because almost all 800-plus million of them killed for meat in this country every year are factory farmed, thousands crammed inside industrial sheds where they exist above their own excrement for their short six-week lives.

There would be less suffering in a veggie Britain; less farming of livestock would mean a huge reduction in environmental damage, and we would be a healthier nation. It's a win-win situation.

Free help on cutting down your meat intake or going veggie is available. Simply ring Viva! on 0117 944 1000, email info@viva.org.uk or write to Viva! at 8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH. Website www.viva.org.uk.

Justin Kerswell

Campaigns manager, Viva!

(by email)