Farming facts

In the 21^st century farmers need to produce more and impact less. This is why science is playing a key role in securing Britain’s future as a major food producer, whilst safeguarding and creating new environments that allow wildlife to thrive. Here are a few key facts: 

• Farmers are passionate about caring for the countryside – more than 6 million hectares of land is under active environmental management

• The unique look of the British landscape is shaped by farmers - since 1987 agri-environment schemes have helped to restore 17,000 km of hedgerows across England 
  
  
• Agriculture is embracing green technology - many British farmers are using Anaerobic Digesters to create renewable energy from farm, household and industrial waste
  
  
• Bovine TB is a huge issue for livestock farmers - in 2008 almost 40,000 cattle were slaughtered in the UK after testing positive for bovine TB, the numbers are increasing year on year
  
  
• Science is crucial to the future of UK agriculture – productivity has increased by 55% since 1973, however advances in productivity are beginning to lag behind other countries
  
  
• Farmers play a key role in providing habitats for wildlife – they are currently growing more than 5,000 hectares of wild bird mixtures, land specifically managed for cover and feed for wild birds

Feedback

Click here to have your say. Comments may be used in NFU publications.

• julie martin hansen - 19/02/2012
  There's a long way from the supermarket to the farm these days, in fact many people dont realise that if there was not farms or farmers there wouldd be no food on the shelves in the shops. Also, farmers look after nature and the enviroment meaning people can enjoy the countryside. yours sincerely farmers wife julie martin hansen Greyfarm Ærø Denmark

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