SIR – Agricultural leaders have got it wrong when they say that vegetarians and vegans don’t like farmers – we do!

However, the distinction is we love farmers who grow crops to feed us directly, rather than being environmentally-wasteful by raising livestock or growing crops to feed farmed animals.

Much of Britain’s agricultural land is used in this inefficient way, but it would make more sense to use that land to feed us directly.

In fact, Britain could move towards self-sufficiency if it wasn’t for our unsustainable meat and dairy rich diets.

A meat-free Britain would also be kinder. We kill and consume nearly 900 million animals each year in this country.

There would be less suffering in a veggie Britain; less farming of livestock would mean a huge reduction in environmental damage, and we would be a healthier nation. It’s a win-win situation.

Free help on cutting down your meat intake or going veggie is available. Ring Viva! on 0117 9441000, e-mail info@viva.org.uk or write to Viva! at the address below.

Justin Kerswell, campaigns manager, Viva!, 8 York Court, Wilder Street,Bristol, BS2 8QH