I CAN understand Rupert Smythe's columns are designed to provoke a response from your readers but the letter from Adrian Apply (News Shopper, September 22) was beyond belief.

I'm sure he would be singing a different tune if he lived in the Third World himself. If only those in power would stop thinking of themselves, here and in the Third World, they would realise there is enough sustenance for everyone.

The global population is set to rise to 9.3bn by 2050. Worldwatch reports forecast severe global food shortages, leading to famine on an unprecedented scale. This misery is partly a direct result of our desire to eat meat.

While millions die, one third of the world's grain production is fed to farmed animals in rich countries.

At the height of the Ethiopian famine in 1984 and 1985, Britain imported £1.5m worth of animal feed.

Why wasn't this land used to grow food for Ethiopians?

Growing crops to feed animals leads to defores- ation and crippling water shortages.

If more people were vegetarian or vegan, there would be enough food for everyone.

The only way forward is to grow food for humans rather than feed it to farm animals. Ten hectares of land (five football pitches) can grow enough meat to feed two people, enough maize for ten, grain for 24 or soya to feed 61.

At least the interfering do-gooders Mr Apply refers to are making an effort to help their fellow man.

Perhaps this is something Mr Apply is finding hard to understand since he is so selfish.

For more information, please contact The Vegetarian or Vegan Foundation on 0117 970 5190.

Jan Yarker
Address supplied