Consumer confidence in food production and farming is in crisis. A recent survey of ours showed that, in the light of the foot and mouth crisis, almost two-thirds of consumers believe their health could be at risk from the way in which animals are fed, and almost a quarter have changed or are considering changing their eating habits. It is clear that a review of food and farm policies is urgently needed, together with a thorough overhaul of the regulatory system. We are calling on the government to establish a temporary Food and Farm Commission' to explore the bigger picture in agriculture at both the UK and EU levels. It would be unwise to pre-empt a discussion about sustainable agriculture by calling for a cull of MAFF, but the arrangements in Whitehall for handling agriculture and food should come under the spotlight just as much as the food chain itself. MAFF's sole focus is on agriculture which has led to a lack of understanding of, and care for, the interrelated nature of the rural economy and environmental issues. Its blinkered view has meant that insufficient attention has been given to the food chain as a whole and the affordability of food for low income consumers. In addition, there is an inherent conflict in MAFF's position as both a regulator and an industry sponsor. This does little to increase trust. The formation of the the Food Standards Agency has gone a long way to improving confidence, but more still needs to be done. For example, responsibility for the Veterinary Medicines and Pesticide Safety Directorates should be the responsibility of the FSA because of its ultimate impact on food safety. But, moreover, a special commission acting in the interests of consumers and farmers alike is the best way of ensuring a sustainable food/agriculture industry and of restoring consumer confidence in food safety and trust in its regulators. {{NEWS }}