Farming facts
Find out about the countryside and British farming, useful links and FAQs.
Why Farming Matters
The NFU's mission is to champion British farming, and this is exactly what we will be doing throughout 2007's Why Farming Matters campaign.
Why Farming Matters aims to give everyone a much clearer idea of the contribution that farming makes to the economy, to the quality and security of our food supplies, to the beauty and diversity of our countryside, to combating climate change and to the rural economy.
:: Visit the Why Farming Matters website to find out more.
Farm, Food and Countryside booklet
Farm, Food and Countryside is a comprehensive easy to read booklet that puts the case for British farming, counters some of the negative spin and presents information in an easy and informative style to be read by non-experts.
It is intended to be available on a 'Please take one' basis in farm shops, at farmer's markets, in rural pubs, and on the bedside tables in farmhouse B&Bs.
A copy can be downloaded from our Libary section.
How many farms and farmers are there in Britain?
The government's Department For the Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) has produced a booklet, Agricultural Statistics in Your Pocket, which is available to order from their website here.
And to find out the latest agricultural statistics, visit the Defra website.
I'm interested in working in farming - how can I become a farmer?
You don't have to own land or come from a countryside background to have a career in farming.
Many university and colleges now run practical courses covering all aspects of the agricultural industry.
The National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs run many courses - joining your local branch may help you learn new skills and make friends.
Our Careers section also has details of the latest job vacancies within the NFU.
How do I know what I can and can't do in the countryside?
The NFU strongly advocates the Countryside Code to all members of the public as an essential educational tool. It's general messages for visitors and land managers are:
- Be safe: plan ahead and follow any signs
- Leave gates and property as you find them
- Protect plants and animals and take your litter home
- Keep your dog under close control
- Consider other people
How does the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) affect farms in Britain?
CAP affects the British farming sector in a variety of ways:
It provides farmers with a single farm payment (SFP), subject to meeting certain animal welfare and environmental standards.
Additional payments are made energy crops and protein crops. Part of the payment farmers receive will be withheld by the government and used for rural development and agri-environmental measures.
Farmers will receive the SFP independently of the type of production and of the production level. It should be noted however, that an essential requirement to receive payments is to maintain the land in good agricultural and environmental condition.
Visit our Single Payment Scheme section to find out more.
What are biofuels?
Bio-fuels (liquid fuels) are transport fuels produced from plant material or organic waste oils and fats.
Biofuels are fuels produced from sustainable farm-grown resources.
Bioethanol is an alcohol based substitute for petrol and produced from sugar beet and wheat.
Biodiesel, which is a heavy fuel ignited by compression, is a substitute for diesel and is produced from oil seed rape, vegetable waste oils or rendered animal fats.
Biofuel technology is being used the world over to provide a substitute to finite oil and gas reserves.
Biofuels are a solution that are good for the environment, consumers, the rural economy and national security.
Visit the NFU's dedicated Bioenergy channel to find out more.
What's the advantage of shopping at a farmers' market?
One of the most important factors is the direct contact that shoppers have with the producers themselves. If you want to, you can ask questions and really get to know about the production processes involved.
This helps to build trust between the producer and the consumer and create a greater awareness of seasonality and healthy eating issues.
Shopping at a farmers' market also helps boost the local economy and rural communities by providing a stable, regular selling outlet for farmers and food producers.
See our Beyond the Farm section for more information.
Where can I find out about markets in my area?
FARMA (National Farmers Retail & Markets Association) is the main information source regarding farm retail. The FARMA website has details on where to find your nearest market.
You can also send an A4 SAE envelope to NAFM, PO Box 575, Southampton, SO15 7BZ. Alternatively, contact the market office of your relevant local authority.
