How can we support British farmers?

Goodbye torrential rain, and hello (hopefully!) summer…

However as we all look forward to drier days and warmer weather, the remnants of the 18+ months of rain – which the Met Office recorded as the highest amount ever fallen in England, is still very real and being felt by our British farmers and growers.

And so if there was ever a time to Back British Farming, it’s now… But how?

Here are just a few ways we can get behind the custodians of our countryside working around the clock to keep us fed and watered:

Buy British

The primary way we can support our farmers and growers is to buy British.

This sounds simple enough doesn’t it but it’s astounding just how many products on the shelves appear to have been grown or reared here when in fact they’ve been imported.

From the beginning of this year, foods sold in Britain must now display a UK, Island of Man or Channel Islands business address. So, the best way to know if you’re buying British is to check the labels. Compassion in World Farming has created a food labelling guide if you’d like to read more about the certain certifications displayed.

Having said this, the clarity and transparency of food labels in this country still have a long way to go. Defra (the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs) is currently consulting on food labelling plans, which the NFU (National Farmers Union) shares more about within this recent article.

Eat seasonally

Without a doubt, the asparagus that’s readily available to buy in November will not be British-grown.

When you shop and eat seasonal, British foods, you’re directly backing British farming. And what’s exciting about the changing seasons is just how many fresh meats, fruits and vegetables we can tuck into!

If you’d love to see what’s in season and when, Love British Food has created a brilliant list which you can view here.

And if you haven’t yet read it, this blog delves into the amazing benefits of eating seasonally – from a health, environmental and economic perspective.

Share your knowledge

The more awareness we can all raise about buying British, the more British farmers and growers will feel supported. It’s an extremely challenging time for the farming industry – the dedication and resilience shown by rural communities is like no other, and now more than ever they need to know they’re not alone.

Here at Legges, we’re proud call our neighbouring farmers and growers, friends, and we’ll continue making it our mission to source and provide you with only the finest quality produce and products, as locally as possible.

Whether you’re buying a pack of handmade sausages made from free range pigs, or a couple of rump steaks for your BBQ this weekend, please always feel free to ask where your products have come from. Our farm shop teams will be more than happy to speak with you, or if you’re ordering online, please simply send us an email!