West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed measures which will help planners to protect prime agricultural land from development. Farming is a crucial part of Worcestershire’s economy and the ability to grow our own fruit and vegetables will become more important as economies like China compete for the world’s produce. National guidance means that any proposed development on farming land must take into account its quality before being considered. Harriett commented: “I am aware of some local proposals to change the use of our farming land for projects including the creation of solar farms. “There is clear guidance that farming land should be protected and that renewable energy projects should come from brownfield sites, not good fertile farming land. “Every year, I am briefed by the National Farming Union about the importance of national food security and the need to protect farm land for the future. “I am reassured that local planners have to take this issue into account when considering changing the use of farming land.”