Brexit and departure from the EU’s common agricultural policy means Defra could fund a major expansion of agro-forestry across the UK. It is a huge opportunity for the country, and with the government’s strategy for the bioeconomy about to published, it’s one we must seize. I have been an elected member of the Sheffield city council for over 45 years and I cannot remember a time when we were not planting trees. Indeed, I remember being ridiculed by Tory councillors for “wasting money” planting trees in the industrial east end of Sheffield in the 70s. Councillor Peter PriceLabour, Sheffield city council• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters

Source: The Guardian February 16, 2018 16:18 UTC