More than food being provided by farmers

A GROUND-breaking study has revealed that Britain’s farmers hold the key to unlocking the solutions to some of the country’s bigger problems, such as mass water storage, flood defence and even social care of those in need.

The report, commissioned by the Oxford Far ming Conference, reflects on the wider contributions UK agriculture makes to society beyond the usual measures of GDP and food production.

“Farming’s contribution is much, much greater than you might think,” said conference chairman Mike Gooding.

“The research concludes that UK farmers are making significant contributions to national biodiversity, accessible green space, health and communities.

“Our farmers have the skills and geographical reach to address some of society’s fundamental challenges — such as health, well-being and selfsustaining communities.

“But turning that opportunity into reality requires a better connection between wider society and farmers, and it is a two-way process.

“The statistics in our study are staggering. For example, UK farmland biodiversity is ‘valued’ at £938 million; people are prepared to pay an extra £2,000 annually to live in a house close to high-nature areas, and health — as well as happiness — has been proven to improve with access to farmland and nature,” he added.

The primary objective of the study was to uncover some of farming’s less recognised social benefits — especially those beyond the well-rehearsed issues of environment and animal welfare.

The findings are based on a review of published literature.

The work was undertaken by Dr Peter Carruthers of Vision 37 Ltd and Professor Michael Winter, professor and director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research at Exeter University.

It was supported by Burges Salmon, RSPB and Volac.

Commenting on the report, Defra Secretary Owen Paterson said: “Farming contributes much more to our society than the crucial role of putting safe, nutritious food on our tables.

“The industry’s worth £95 billion a year to the economy thanks to growing demand abroad for our produce and our expertise.

“The market rewards that, but it doesn’t reward farming’s role as one of the principal custodians of our rural landscape and wildlife.”

Mike Gooding said the intention of the study is “to help policy makers, the agricultural industry and the public and farmers themselves, really think about how we can use what we have better to address society’s growing needs”.

Conference organisers believe that farmers could hold the key to a number specific “big issues” like mass water storage, flood defence and the care of those in society who are in need.

It is also clear that children’s education and life experience is greatly enhanced by interaction with land, food production and the farming community.

Based on this belief, the conference directors hope is that the findings will support policy-makers in their long-term planning.

The study concludes that farming touches people’s lives in perhaps more ways than any other industry.