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It’s hard to believe that we’re only three months into 2020 and so many significant things have happened – from months of flooding to Brexit to the impact of the Coronavirus. We know our farming customers haven’t had it easy, but what recent weeks have highlighted is their importance to the UK. Now more than ever they are needed to ensure the nation is kept fed.
On that note, we just wanted to show our support to our farming customers and highlight why they’re so important (and not just in times of crisis):
Food Production
UK farmers produce just under 60% of the food that the country eats. The importance of this has never been so heightened than times like now when global supply chains are disrupted and the Government needs to keep food in front of the nation.*
Economy
The food and farming sector makes a significant contribution to the economy – over 4 million people are employed in this sector and it contributes £122 billion to the economy***.
Environment
Farmland plays a positive environmental role by acting as a carbon sink. The overall value of this service is estimated to be worth around £514 million each year.* In recent years, UK agriculture has managed to increase food production while decreasing its environmental impact. NFU members aspire to achieve net-zero agriculture by 2040.
Wildlife Habitats
Farmers manage over 70% of the UK’s land area.* They are responsible for maintaining important landscape features, enhancing our beautiful countryside, and providing natural habitats for wildlife.
Renewable Energy
Around 10% of overall UK electricity generation now comes from renewable energy technologies sited on agricultural land, such as wind power, solar power, and energy produced from biomass.*
Animal Welfare
UK farmers are recognised worldwide for having high animal welfare standards and for investing significant time and resources into the health and wellbeing of their livestock.
Tourism
Our beautiful countryside is a major attraction for overseas visitors to the UK. Visit Britain estimates that around 20% of international visitors spend time in the countryside. Additionally, 66% of all farm businesses in England run diversified enterprises such as wedding venues, farm shops, and B&Bs.****
These are just a few reasons why farming is vital to the UK—there are of course many more.
At Cotterill Drainage, we understand the importance of farming. Not only have we been supplying drainage products to UK farmers for many years, but our background is in farming too. In fact, only last year our MD’s family celebrated 100 years of farming here at Hermitage Farm, our HQ in the Midlands.
What are we doing to help farmers during the Coronavirus crisis?
During the Coronavirus crisis we’re continuing to supply essential products to UK farms. These include water supply pipe, drinking water tanks, sewage treatment plants, land drainage pipe and other products vital to sustaining arable crop and food production and livestock health and welfare.
We are adhering to stringent health and hygiene measures to ensure the safety of both our colleagues and customers. For example, if you need to collect anything from our Trade Counter at the moment, please call ahead. View the safety measures we have in place here.
If you need anything, please let us know. Our team of specialists are available to provide expert advice – call us on 0121 351 3230.
Alternatively, fill out our enquiry form:
* Contributions of UK Agriculture – NFU
** Agriculture in the United Kingdom – Wikipedia
*** Poultry News
**** Countryside Online