From P17 / n "We believe the countryside is its people," Mr Hart added. "A sustainable physical countryside can only be the result of sustainable rural communities. In turn, safeguarding them depends on maximising the productive use of the land for the benefit of society."

He then made a point that crossed the town versus countryside divide. "The fortunes of rural and urban communities will remain interdependent," he said. The countryside can still benefit, as it has for centuries, from economic and social interaction with towns. Policies that ensure thriving, more successful conurbations will help conserve our countryside."

By this stage, two important points have emerged.

The word "sustainable" has been used several times and there is a concerted move afoot to heal the town versus countryside divide.

As far as the latter topic is concerned, this appears to me to be an eminently sensible approach, since we all live together on this island. It has suited the idiot fringes of both camps to accentuate the differences, but with some education, appreciation and understanding it's surprising how you can come away with a different point of view.

When is comes to "sustainable", that has sometimes in the past meant wads of grant money being handed out to enable our agricultural industry to compete with cheap foreign imports.

This is a very complex issue and not always what it seems, because our farming industry is one of the best and most efficient in the world.

The Alliance is calling for a fresh look at the whole playing field.

"It is not a given that the UK will be forced to cede its production of food staples to foreign competition," Mr Hart added, "yet that all too often appears to be a UK Government policy presumption.

"A sensible and pragmatic approach should include a commitment, backed by investment, to the long term domestic production of food staples."

One of the key recommendations is that measures should prevent the systematic sale of food for less than the cost of production.

However, the CA says the countryside is not just a place where food is produced. There are many rural industries, from forestry to farriery.

"Farmers and rural businesses need a level playing field and a regulatory system that allows enterprising rural people to exploit opportunities," said Simon Hart. Which brings us finally to country sports.

"Country sports are not the be-all and end-all of rural sustainability, but they are an important part of it," he added.

"Any Government which pronounces otherwise is either ignorant or disingenuous.

"Not only do country sports account for the second most prevalent use of the land after farming - and contribute more to the gross domestic product - but in many parts of the countryside they reconcile local economic, social and environmental priorities in a way that would be virtually impossible to replace. Moreover, they work within animal welfare principles."

So consider all the options and on May 5 put your X in the place that suits you best.