Suffolk Farmer Warns UK Food Security at Critical Point Despite Public Support
A farmer in Suffolk believes food security in the UK is reaching a critical point. Glenn Buckingham, who farms in Suffolk, says that while the public continues to back British farming, unpredictable weather and market pressures mean the sector faces constant challenges.
“Well, our additional reaction to the tough year is great. It's nearly over. We're starting the next one and we start always with optimism and sowing seeds and growing crops and looking after livestock,” Buckingham said. He added that farmers must cope with factors beyond their control, explaining: “You just have to accept it. You just have to hope you're in the right place to cope with it.”
It's as farmers have been named the second most respected profession in the UK, Buckingham says the public’s support means a great deal after what he describes as a “tough year.”
“Yeah. Well, our additional reaction to the tough year is great. It's nearly over. We're starting the next one and we start always with optimism and sowing seeds and growing crops and looking after livestock. So that's part of the job,” Buckingham told us.
Survey Results
The NFU’s latest Farmer Favourability Survey shows 92% of people believe it’s important that Britain maintains a productive farming sector, while 89% say British farms should grow as much food as possible to support national food security. More than three-quarters of respondents trust British food over imports.
Buckingham reflected on the realities behind the headlines, saying: “As far as the public perception, we're absolutely grateful and we've known for a long time that the public do appreciate what we do, but it's that whole business really, of the fact that we are that price takers, that our yields are variable.
"They're the ones that really are put the pressure onto our industry, but I just wonder sometimes whether people actually realise that's how it is on farm compared to what you see when the shelves are full in the supermarket.”
He added that consumer behaviour has a direct impact on farming sustainability: “To lose their competitiveness. So it's actually the consumers have got to realise that, to make sure this keeps happening, you've got to cover the cost and like any business, it has to be profitable to reinvest… And they've got to accept.
"And of course they're in a situation where they've had disposable income that could go any direction and if something down the road there is cheap food. okay, I can save somebody there and I'll go somewhere else and spend my money on my latest mobile phone on my latest car, the latest gizmo in my house.”
The importance of support
The NFU says public backing for farmers is crucial as they face economic and environmental pressures, from extreme weather to high operational costs. NFU President Tom Bradshaw added: “Our farmers and growers are proud to produce the food that feeds the nation, while delivering for nature, rural communities and the wider economy. But they need confidence to invest for the future.”
Buckingham echoed the sentiment, highlighting government scrutiny on farm profitability: “We’ve got this government has taken on Baroness Batters to look at farm profitability. You know, that's very interesting. It will be interesting to see what results. She comes to and I can only assume that in order to ensure profitability… we have to have a guaranteed a reasonable return back to farm to see the farming industry what we want to see.”
As Britain celebrates Back British Farming Day, Buckingham and the NFU are calling for policies that safeguard domestic food production, fair standards in trade, and the long-term sustainability of UK farming.
The Environment Department says the Government's 'food strategy' focuses on public health, supply-chain security and economic growth