How to back British Farmers
Buy British
If you can, choose products which are produced locally to you or within Britain. The more British produce we buy, the more supermarkets will stock it, meaning greater selection for shoppers and greater support for farmers. British produce adheres to the highest quality standards worldwide and offers low food miles which is great for the environment.
Ask Questions
There is no such thing as a silly question, especially in an industry as essential and complex as farming. If you have a question, concern or suggestion, make it known to your local farmer or NFU secretary. Engaging and bringing the community closer to where their food comes from is key to supporting this vital industry.
Re-connect with your food
When you are in the shop or on a country walk, think about where your food has come from and the processes it has had to undergo to reach your plate. Understanding where your food has come from will underline the importance of British agriculture in our every day lives
Spread the Word!
Encourage those around you, friends, family, and colleagues to take an interest in where their food is coming from and the wealth of produce on their doorsteps. Tell them about what you have learnt about farming and how you back local farmers to encourage others to do the same. Use #backbritishfarming on social media!
Follow Farming News
The National Farmers Union (NFU) have plenty of infomration about up-to-date news in the farming world which affects everyone in the food chain, not just farmers. This, along with other channels, is a great what to stay informed about the British food chain and the challenges farmers face.
Look for the Red Tractor
Red Tractor is a world-leading food chain assurance scheme that underpins the high standards of British food & drink. If you can, buy produce with this logo as it is of the highest quality and farmers have to work very hard to achieve this.
Put yourself in our wellies
Mutual respect and understanding is at the heart of working together as a community. Reaching out to your local agricultural community/farmers with questions or words of support opens up fascinating conversations and re-connects us with the food we eat and those working around the clock to produce it.
Get Involved
If you fancy your hand at farming or want to learn more, there are often open farm days, blogs and online resources as well as the farming community to talk to. There is plenty of seasonal work in the horticultural industry, picking and planting brussel sprouts, flowers and more! Get in touch or search on the NFU website.
Talk to your local policy makers
If you want to shape your food chain, talk to your local MP. Often farmers are left to fight battles alone despite the fact they put food on the nations plates. However, it doesn't have to be this way, and placing pressure on your local MP about issues facing agriculture can give farmers and consumers alike more influence over their food chain.
Respect the Countryside
Simple actions such as following the countryside code and sticking to footpaths can make life a lot easier for farmers. While it may not look like much, trespassing off footpaths can cause chaos to livestock and arable crops alike as well as nature conservation areas created by farmers.
Understand the difficulties farmers face
By following the news and talking to local farmers we can understand the difficulties they face. Despite supplying over 60% of the British food chain most farmers to make ends meet. An understanding of why can help us to support them.
Buy from the Farm Gate
Buying straight from the farm or local farm shop can help farmers make a better margin on their produce. Supermarkets are notorious for squeezing profit, and this often results in the farmers losing out. It is also better for the environment as buying straight from the farm reduces food miles to next to nothing. It is also a chance to meet the producers and see where your produce is actually coming from.