http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/public-backing-for-farmers-grows-for-fifth-year-in-row-1-7977098
Ben Bryant yet again produced an excellent article in the Yorkshire Post. We agree with Ben!
We have campaigned to protect farming in North Yorkshire. Each and every iconic dry stone wall and field system we see in the media is maintained by a farmer. Each dry stone wall forms part of the biodiversity 'superhighway' improving connectivity of species. The countryside the tourists flock to visit for its unique character and tranquillity is managed by farmers. We cannot separate the importance of farming and the value of the countryside they maintain.
CPRE recently successfully campaigned to ensure a dairy in Grassington was able to continue for the time being because, that dairy supported thirteen local small dairy farms. The local district, Craven, were not trying to have an application refused they were trying to persuade the authority to approve it because, the bigger picture was more important.
We campaign to protect hedgerows, these vital wildlife havens also provide shelter for stock. Farms manage these hedgerows and have done so for hundreds of years. Farming helps to keep our rural communities alive and thriving.
There are of course, some farmers who prefer to run their businesses as though they were a large accountancy firm without heart and soul. It's a sad fact. This should not be allowed to overshadow the majority who farm with passion, dedication, heart and a deep rooted commitment to their stock, their land and their heritage.
Farming has to be both effective and economically viable. As times change, farms do diversify or perhaps a better way to describe modern farming is to say, they add value to their business. Farming 'people' is crucial to maintaining this industry. We need tourists in the countryside. We need the tourist pound.
A farmer does not work 9-5 Monday to Friday. Lifestock don't respect office hours. When we're opening our Christmas presents, the farmer still needs to feed his stock and attend to animals who are sick or decide to give birth. The farmer produces the food we need. That food though is often sold at a price dictated by large organisations. So the farm must move with the times whist upholding the values of the past.
Our own Chair went through an exercise to understand food production and tried to produce beef for the market. Costs for silage, feed, injections even baler twine increase but the price paid to the farmer remains stagnant. In two years breaking even was just a dream. The world wants ethical food but will the world pay for it?
We must learn to understand the challenges of modern day farming and embrace our local farms if we want to enjoy a living, breathing countryside.
Shop local, eat local, embrace local produce. Support food and farming in North Yorkshire and support our outstanding countryside.
What do National CPRE have to say about Farming?
See their facebook page which states:
Why do we love farmers?
Because farmers produce 60% of the essential food we need and manage 70% of the land surface of England.
Farming supports the economy of rural areas and raw materials for food production. It’s also the country’s largest industry.
So today, give a thumbs up for farmers and share this message far and wide beyond the pastures.
