Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, is a well-known organic food enthusiast – he even has a range of all-natural biscuits. Now he has launched a passionate attack on modern farming. He sees no need for greater world agricultural production, thinks big companies have caused serious damage to farming and genetic modification has been a disaster. The prince is mistaken on all counts.

The world population is now growing faster than agricultural production. Food prices are soaring around the world and have triggered riots this year in Haiti, Egypt, Yemen and across west Africa. The prince is wrong to reject the need to find ways to increase farm output.