To the editor,
The idea that farming is 鈥渋rrelevant鈥� to the rural economy is simply wrong.
British farming underpins the UK鈥檚 largest manufacturing sector: food and drink, which is worth 拢153.2 billion to the economy and supports 4.2 million jobs. If that鈥檚 鈥渂arely relevant鈥�, then so is the weekly shop, the school lunch and the pint pulled at the local pub.
In Suffolk 鈥� where your article argues farming is irrelevant 鈥� agriculture alone contributes 拢1.4 billion to the local economy and supports more than 8,000 jobs. And nationally, in 2024, British farmers spent over 拢20 billion on goods and services, from feed and fertiliser to energy and veterinary care, sustaining thousands of jobs across the supply chain.
Farming also plays a crucial role in rural tourism, contributing 拢11.5 billion annually. Thousands of farmers and growers offer accommodation, catering and recreational activities, all while maintaining the beautiful landscapes that attract millions of visitors from across the globe each year.
Just this week, we鈥檝e seen a rise in applications to agricultural colleges 鈥� hardly a sign of declining relevance in the sector. It鈥檚 a vote of confidence in its future.
Even Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer once recognised the sector鈥檚 importance, stating that he knows a thriving farming sector is vital for the economy and the nation's future, and agriculture has been recognised as one of the government鈥檚 priorities in its own Industrial Strategy.
Farming isn鈥檛 fading into irrelevance. It鈥檚 evolving, adapting and driving rural Britain forward. The real problem isn鈥檛 that farming鈥檚 out of touch 鈥� it鈥檚 that too many commentators are.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
