A CAMPAIGN to promote plant-based farming has divided opinion in Somerset with the NFU stating what we eat “is not something that can be imposed.”

NFU president Tom Bradshaw told the West Somerset Free Press and sister title the Wellington Weekly News decisions should be made in an informed way based on nutrition and diversity.

His comments come as farmers in the area are conflicted over a campaign, led by Plant-Based Councils, which is pushing Somerset to transition to a plant-based food-system.

The organisation is encouraging UK councils to make “small but powerful changes” to tackle the climate crisis, which includes internal catering which is 100 per cent plant-based.

The campaign group has seen Taunton Town Council vote unanimously to become 50 percent plant-based.

But NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “What we eat is a personal choice and not something which is imposed. Decisions should be made in an informed way taking into consideration the nutritional, environmental and biodiversity benefits that eating a balanced diet including meat and dairy provide.

“We engage regularly with local councils and others about the importance of supporting local supply chains and the vital role farmers play at the heart of our rural communities. We have also organised seminars with a range of food service providers including with local authorities to discuss the benefits of meat and dairy.”

In July, Plant-Based Councils put forward a motion to North Devon District Council for it to serve fully plant-based food and drink at internal meetings and events and to work with farmers in the area to support their move towards plant-based farming.

The motions were met with backlash from local farmers and was voted down by the council.

Simon Crockford, the Somerset campaigner for Plant-Based Councils, said: “The public reaction has overwhelmingly been of surprise that more isn't already being done.”

Having studied at Cannington agricultural college, Simon Crockford’s first jobs were on farms which is why, he says, he has taken an interest in the relationship between farming and the climate.

He said: “I do know the struggles that farmers face, and it's why I want to help them transition to more sustainable ways forward.

“The phrase ‘we have always done it this way’ must really be changed to ‘let's try to do things a different way’.”

Farmers and producers in the area are considering how the campaign will affect their practices and livelihoods.

A herbalist from Langford Budville, Tryphena Huntingford, rents out most of her 13 acres to farmers for livestock and grows medicinal herbs for patients on the remaining land.

Tryphena said: “In principle, we all need to move to plant-based diets.

“You can’t just be dreamy about these things that need to happen. It really requires some really national decisions.”

An dairy farmer, who did not want to give his name, said he does not “how going completely plant-based would be sustainable” for the long-term.

He said: “The milk from dairy cows is pure, there’s nothing added to it. Its nutritional value litre for litre is much higher than alternatives.

“A mixed set-up with animals and arable works. And even on an organic set-up, everything is on rotation.”