Fellow speakers included former Suffolk Coastal MP John Gummer, now Lord Deben, Prof Ian Crute, chief scientist at the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board, farmer Lucy Wyatt, and Waitrose’s agricultural manager, Duncan Sinclair.

A report of the conference in the East Anglian Daily Times quoted Robert as stating that the economic crisis had left us with “a new reality”.

Robert set the scene by describing our “limited and costly” natural resources, land shortages and funding pressures on research and development, but said there were still those who did not believe climate change was a reality.

Rising food prices had played a part in the uprising in north Africa, and many of the developing nations were getting richer and starting to demand western dies, including more meat. Robert said this would need to be done using less land, less water and less fertiliser.

But he said a myriad of trade restrictions made it hard to get food where it needed to be. In Africa, he added, there was the problem of food from fields rotting because of lack of infrastructure. And consumers had the right to know where food came from, and food imported into Britain should meet our standards. He supported research and development to help increase yields.

Regarding Common Agricultural Policy reforms, Robert said he believed it would be wrong to impost a cap on the size of the farm to receive a subsidy.

The audience included adults, children and students who all listened intently to the talk and were able to put questions to Robert, who is vice chair of the International Trade Committee, and a lively question and answer session followed the presentation.

The talk included an outline of the European Parliament and its history and its legislature process and the impact it has on our daily lives. Robert explained how important it is for Great Britain to participate in decision making at the highest level and our vital role.
Afterwards members of the audience were able to meet with Robert informally over a glass of wine and ask further questions.

Adrian Tuchel, chair of the New Europe Society, said: “We are very grateful to Mr Sturdy for giving this excellent talk and stimulating discussion in such an engaging way.”
The talk was followed by an outstanding  piano recital by Miss Young-Choon Park, of South Korea, who was able to discuss with Robert his interest in her country through his parliamentary work and his recent visit to the region.

Robert said: “It was a very enjoyable evening and I was pleased to be able to talk about my work in international trade and the importance it has on our daily lives. It was a very lively audience, and the icing on the cake was the wonderful piano recital.”

He was joined by his wife Liz in welcoming guests who heard him talk about the European Parliament and the new group which Conservative MEPs have joined, the Conservatives and Reformists group.

He also talked about his recent work regarding new pesticide legislation, saying he will continue to push for bans on chemicals to be made only after it has been proven that they could cause a hazard to health or the environment from a full impact assessment.

Robert said: “I very much valued this opportunity to talk about my work over an informal lunch and wanted to show my appreciation for the support the Conservative Party and myself have had from the European Union of Women.”

Robert joined Mid-Bedforshire MP Nadine Dorries for a supper of politics and debate and had a lively evening explaining his work to constituents.

Robert said:

“I always enjoy evenings like this when I can explain my role and the impact the EU has on the daily lives on constituents. I particularly enjoy coming to Bedfordshire and hearing about the issues which concerns them.

“It was an excellent venue and I was delighted to see the range of British beer on sale.”

They are joined in the pic by Peter Meads, landlord of The Cross Keys public house in Pulloxhill.

Robert Sturdy during a recent visit to Camgrain

Robert Sturdy has supported Camgrain’s expansion plans for its grain storage site near the A11 Wilbraham interchange. The proposals are to expand the existing site by increasing the capacity for grain storage from 90,000 tonnes to 300,000 tonnes. The plans will come before South Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee on Wednesday and a decision is due to be made on the matter on July 9. Camgrain’s planning application states: “Demand for centralised grain storage continues to grow and outstrip supply, and it is anticipated the 90,000-tonne storage capacity at the existing premises will be reached by harvest time this year.” The planning statement also includes a number of letters of support, including one from Mr Sturdy who says the application represents a great step forward for the eastern region at a time when world stocks, agriculture and food security are under pressure.

Here he is pictured talking to one of the delegates he met there, Nicola Currie, Director of the Eastern Region Country Land & Business Assocation.

Robert, who is a CLA member, said: “This Show is always a great opportunity for me to meet other people who share so many similar interestsThe CLA and NFU work closely together to ensure a fair balance is struck for the community regarding rural affairs and businesses.”

The 24 members, including Haven Rotary, were interested in learning about the workings of the EP first hand and had the opportunity to question Mr Sturdy about this. He also joined them for dinner.

Organiser Gillian Brown described it as an “excellent trip” and said they had learnt a tremendous amount.

Mr Sturdy said: “I always welcome the opportunity to meet constituents on visits to the European Parliament so I can explain what happens there and how I represent them.”