An insight into how the global market is affecting our farmers and small businesses and what we can do to make a difference and benefit those around us.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/earth/agriculture/10241070/British-produced-food-would-run-out-today-farmers-warn.html
My research from my essay helped get me some ideas on how to approach the practical. Above is a screenshot from an article I read from the telegraph, it states how our British farmers have the capacity to produce more food however our country mainly imports food from elsewhere as its cheaper. Not only would we benefit environmentally from importing less food from abroad and growing our own, but the economy would improve as it would create more jobs in their local community and ensure the farmers who have owned their lands for generations get the financial stability and support they need. The more we depend on importing goods from abroad the more fragile our nation will become.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/0/23980594
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/aug/14/five-imported-foods-we-can-source-locally-in-the-uk
The Guardian also had a good article on food that is produced in the UK and where is comes from. This shows that we do have a good variety of foods, given the right market skills and technology these businesses could thrive and make a small difference to our economy, its a start anyways.
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/feb/24/uk-will-need-to-import-over-half-of-its-food-within-a-generation-farmers-warn
Another screenshot from The Guardian. This type of statement really puts things in perspective, yes globalisation may have its benefits and trading internationally will cut costs on the price of goods and commodities however, the fact that there seems to be no consideration to UK businesses or the farming culture is just ridiculous. Farmers who've held their lands for generations and kept the country fed are now on the verge of loosing their businesses. Yes trading from the international market may produce cheaper goods but what happens when there are a few farms left in Britain? We simply cannot be left in a state where our country could not sustain itself say, if the global market was suddenly cut off. Now thats a scary thought.
Following through my idea for my practical I began by trying to find farming businesses in the UK that are still thriving and could help produce food for the whole country if needed.
Above shows screenshots from the websites I found of farming businesses that are still up and running in the UK. It shows that they are just as enthusiastic on developing as a business and expanding their market in the UK and globally, if branded correctly I'd like to see these businesses thrive in local stores as I think its important that people support their local communities and the businesses within those. A lot of imported goods are sprayed with pesticides, pumped with hormones and other nasty chemicals to prolong the best before date and enhance colours and flavourings. However if I produced a brand which only sells goods from local farmers and businesses then the food would be organic and fresh making it healthier and beneficial to the publics health.
