Wednesday 9 September 2020 is Back British Farming day, an NFU initiative started 5 years ago.
Never has this been so important in recent times when the coronavirus pandemic continues to affect us all and there is a danger of no trade deal with the EU when we end the Brexit transition period on 31 December this year.
Problems with the resultant demands on the food supply chain has led more people to buy food produced on local farms. They have discovered the benefits of fresh, easily sourced and delicious food, produced to the highest standards in the world. We hope this trend continues.
The past 12 months are an example of the constant pressures facing farmers. The weather last Autumn was so wet as to prevent sowing crops such as winter wheat and barley, and the subsequent flooding in some areas of the country left the ground unprepared for sowing other crops. Then a very dry spring made the ground rock hard and difficult to plough, seed and nourish. Yields are down or poorer quality, affecting farm livelihoods.
Please remember how important our farmers are to your continuous food supply, and how fresh, unprocessed food contributes to you and your family’s good health. Look for the Red Tractor sign on packages indicating that the food has been produced to high standards and find your local farm shop – you may find something new to eat!