Sir

I refer to your article 'MP Calling for re-think on Wicken Fen Vision and provision of land for food production', published on 4 March.

We welcome the fact that someone who has been so involved in the development of the Conservative Party's strategy for agriculture has taken an interest in this project in relation to the wider public benefits; balancing food production and the environment. It is particularly pleasing that their strategy takes a position that is based on the environmental underpinning of agriculture. Food production is not a black and white confrontation with the environment; it is a complex global issue that will need understanding, consideration and joined up thinking.

We were fortunate to welcome Lord Smith, Chairman of the Environment Agency, to Wicken Fen on 2 February to celebrate World Wetlands Day and host a discussion with the NFU, local farmers and the Environment Agency on balancing food production and enhancement of the natural environment in the Fens.

We have invited Mr Paice to Wicken Fen in order to facilitate a similar discussion and allay any concerns he may have about the long-term aims of the Wicken Fen Vision. We would encourage anyone who wants to find out more about the aims of the Wicken Fen Vision to log onto www.wicken.org.uk

Yours sincerely