Farming Delivers for the North West

More than 80% of the land area in the North West is designated as rural, with all sectors represented in the region – especially livestock and dairy thanks to our abundant supply of grassland. The North West also has a significant horticultural sector accounting for 9% of England’s total.

North West agriculture has more than 22,000 farming and related businesses employing some 40,000 people. A thriving food and drink industry has grown up alongside our agriculture and horticulture industry and major global brands such as Kellogg’s and Heinz are based in the region. The combined agricultural and food processing sector employs around 103,000 people, which is 3.5% of total regional employment.

Farmers also play a vital role in delivering the region’s landscape which is a major part of the North West’s tourism offer. Next time you are walking through the Lake District National Park, or drinking in the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, think about the role that farming plays in delivering our rural environment and preserving it for future generations in the North West of England.