Prof Les Firbank, Director of Wyke Research, Okehampton, last week delivered the 2008 Ruby Lecture in Bratton Clovelly Hall and offered a challenging but optimistic view of the long-term future of Ruby Country.

His lecture was entitled, 'Sustainability of Ruby Country in a changing world — how can we tell when we've got there?'

Against a back-drop of growing population, scarcer resources and changing climate, Les stressed that farming and food supply will have to evolve to survive. But optimistically, he saw evidence of businesses already starting to adapt.

He further added that Ruby Country was ideally placed, with its farming expertise and landscape, to take a bold lead in developing a low-carbon, local food economy.

Prof Les Firbank concluded by saying: "If we can do it anywhere in England, we can do it here."

Cllr Dennis Bater, Chair of the Ruby Country Steering Group, said: "Les offered a well thought out view of the future, and although there are clearly unprecedented challenges, it is evident that Ruby Country has the potential, if we are brave enough, to set a very strong lead."

"Ruby Country can be a model for the rest of the world," was the message from local councillor Adam Symons, at the Ruby Country lecture.

Adam Symons, councillor for Bradworthy and Hartland, said: "Professor Firbank set out that we have a great opportunity in Ruby Country to capitalise on the financial and resource pressures that we are facing. Localism is going to become increasingly important.

"We need to focus on Ruby Country promoting its strengths of local food, biodiversity, leisure, agriculture and tourism. If we can do this, and make sure that the money spent stays within the local economy, then Ruby Country can be a model for the rest of the world."

Tom Dixon, Ruby Country Co-ordinator said: "The Ruby Lectures offer a great opportunity to plug some real science and some real thinking into what we are trying to achieve, and tonight was no exception."