British Farming

Farming in Britain has changed dramatically since the second world war. Arable, pastoral, horticulture, market gardening and viticulture, still only provide around 60% of Britain's food. With machinery, we can now run a huge farm with few people. However, farmers must still survive the world markets, the weather and the economy.

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Photographer: Matthew Davison

Inflation is driven by the cost of raw commodities on the global markets. Economists warn that shoppers will face a 10% rise in their grocery bills this year.  Half a dozen eggs will cost £2, bread will increase by 10p and chicken will increase by 50p. The 1970's cookbook "Frugal Food" by Delia Smith, is to be re-launched this year, her publisher has announced. 

The challenge is to produce more food of our own and to protect our own economy, so when there is an increase in commodities on the global food markets, such as wheat, we are not paying for it. 

Farming has to change as the population rises, but how can we produce more food? We must use the land we have more efficiently, through mixed farming. We need to become more self reliant, with more skilled farmers and smaller farms, reducing our environmental footprint. 

Crofting is a unique social system in which small scale food production and care of the environment play an important role. Living and working a small agricultural holding, is a way of life that is linked to the land. Most crofters have other occupations contributing to their livelihoods and the rural economy. Crofting embodies the principles of sustainability, diversification, co-operation, entrepreneurialism and the community. People share one common vision for the common good. Crofting today, is the result of a hard fight, won by previous generations of crofters.

The Red Tractor Organisation, maintains, develops and promotes standards throughout the entire food industry in the UK. For the consumer, the Red Tractor logo, is a single reference point that assures them of the standards that their food is produced and that the product has come from the UK.  

Today, farming is about looking after a business, diversifying and spreading the risk and the need to educate the public to where our food is coming from.