FOOD and Farming Minister Lord Whitty, opening two demonstration farms to the public in Shropshire recently, described them as a showcase for integrated farm management, with safe, sustainable farming practices producing healthy crops and livestock with environmental care.

The minister said they would "have an important role to play in reconnecting consumers with what they eat and how it is produced, as well as providing farmers with examples of best practice."

Updated: 08:54 Thursday, May 23, 2002