You would hardly believe it, given the dairy farmers' protest in London this week, but there's been a supreme effort recently by the more enlightened folk in grocery and farming to unite the food chain. Their task was never going to be easy. Nick Brown, the IGD, the NFU and other sector leaders face an uphill struggle given the militancy on the fringes of the production sectors and, even more importantly, the economic absurdities caused by the EU's common agricultural policy. But few could have failed to see the irony on BBC Radio Four's Today programme on Wednesday when a south west farmers' leader described the supermarkets as "robber barons" for, in effect, selling milk too cheaply. Try explaining that to the Competition Commission. True, the dairy farmers are in dire straits. Yes, the UK's pig producers are in crisis. And both need government protection from the unsustainable strength of sterling. So, as the war of words between some farmers and the supermarkets becomes increasingly bitter, what chance of success for the campaign to cement food chain unity? We could have an answer around teatime on March 30 after Tony Blair's farm crisis summit in Downing Street. For, in addition to the muck covered wellies trampling on Number 10's carpets, there'll be the shiny, black brogues of the big retailers. Fortunately, they've also been invited to what is potentially one of the most important gatherings ever of the top brains from farm, food and politics. New Labour arrived with a tough approach to agri issues. However, that stance has audibly softened since the listening minister, Nick Brown, took the MAFF reins from hardliner Jack Cunningham. But while farmers were heartened by the PM's pledge to the NFU that government would work to find solutions to the crisis, it's so far been more a case of promises rather than direct action. The gathering of minds on March 30 must succeed. But hopefully it will also go some way to ensuring there's no cause for a them and us' attitude between supermarkets and farmers. A better understanding on all sides would do a lot to ease the current headaches. Clive Beddall, Editor {{OPINION }}