Water quality and falling farmer confidence - the big talking points on county show day two
Water quality campaigners and farming groups are trying to raise awareness of concerns
Last updated 17th May 2024
Water quality and record number of farmers leaving the industry are the big talking points on day two of the Devon County Show.
This week's cryptosporidium outbreak in South Devon has affected 16,000 homes and at the Westpoint-based event 'river champions' like Louise Wainwright have been asking show-goers to think about how water safety is funded - and to give their views on what changes are needed.
The latest survey by the National Farmers’ Union shows confidence is at its lowest level since 2010 and President Tom Bradshaw says for many they’re better off being paid subsidies to care for land - rather than trying to earn money producing food.
Devon farming leaders are calling for commitments on county food production which plays a key role in supporting more than 20,000 jobs, managing more than 1.2 million acres of farmland and contributing nearly £870 million to Devon’s economy.
While the county’s stunning landscape, much of which has been farmed for generations, also generates a significant income, which researchers from Visit Devon valued at £2.5 billion a year.
The NFU Farmer Confidence Survey indicated that a major concern for farmers comes as a result of the recent relentless wet weather with 82% of respondents saying their farm businesses have suffered fairly negative (52%) or very negative impacts (30%), with mixed farms, arable farms and dairy farms having taken the biggest hits.
The NFU is calling for the government to recognise the extraordinary nature of what has been the wettest 18 months since 1836, warning that many farms may be unable to survive.
NFU South Regional Director Mel Squires said: “As a county, Devon heavily relies on the farming community to produce great-tasting sustainable food as well as benefiting the environment and boosting the local rural communities and the economy all year round.
“As of 2022, the total value of crops harvested in Devon was over £196 million and the total value of livestock produced was over £1,043 million, and it is all thanks to the hard work of our county farmers, growers and their families.
“To see the dedication our farmers and growers continue to demonstrate after what has been an unprecedented and challenging time of wet weather, with the addition of ongoing labour shortages and rising production costs, is truly remarkable and I’m looking forward to speaking with them at the Devon County Show about what more we can do to ensure they are supported both now and in the future, so they, their families and their farming businesses thrive.
“The NFU have always pushed for more commitment from the government to secure a more resilient and sustainable future for our farming families and with a General Election on the horizon, it has been never been more important to have our members’ voices heard and I look forward to seeing them at the show and engaging with politicians to ensure a more positive future for the Devon farming community.”