When one of
the Relu projects came up with statistics for likely shifts in land use if we
all ate our recommended five a day, and mentioned the potential need for many
more polytunnels covering the south of England, the research received national
press coverage. There was plenty of
opportunity for outrage. Polytunnels are
a blot on the landscape as far as most Britons are concerned and they invariably
provoke protest and nimbyism. Yet still
the government urges us to increase our fruit and veg intake and most of us refuse
to feast on turnips all winter. What is
to be done? Last week I was on holiday
near Turkey’s Mediterranean coast and was struck by the large numbers of
polytunnels there. Acres of plastic
nestle alongside the beautiful beaches.
Tomatoes, cucumbers, courgettes and aubergines spill out of them and
onto the local and international market; Turkey is a net exporter of fruit and
vegetables. This kind of technology
extends the season very effectively and protects produce from weather and
insect damage. It provides the
perfect-looking, all-year-round ingredients we demand. Are there protests about these particular
blots on the landscape? Not at all,
because the land is generally owned by local people and each family may have a
small plot. Almost everyone in Turkey
still has a stake in farming and the rural economy. Using polytunnels is one way of maximising
their profits. So, perhaps this is a
boon for them and for us? Or are we simply
exporting our prejudices to poorer and less fussy communities? Climate change may alter this picture
completely, of course. Other countries
may no longer be able or willing to supply us, or they may find other customers
who can pay more for their goods, as China and India wield increasing economic
power. Will we then look more kindly
upon plastic monstrosities in our own backyard?
Only time will tell.
