Supporting British Farming: Why We Bother (Even When It’s a Pain in the Tractor)
Let’s be honest: “Support British farmers!” is one of those slogans people love to say, right up there with “save the bees” and “don’t text and drive.” But when it comes to what’s actually on our plates, it’s easy to forget that British farming isn’t just a backdrop for countryside Instagram shots—it’s the backbone of what we eat, drink, and (occasionally) argue about at Sunday lunch.
The Myth of the Jet-Setting Vegetable
Sure, you could eat strawberries that have racked up more air miles than a travel blogger, but here’s a wild idea: British farms actually produce 70% of the food we eat in the UK.* That’s right—your average carrot is more local than your last Amazon delivery. Yet, somehow, imported food still fills up nearly half our supermarket shelves. Because nothing says “fresh” like a tomato that’s spent a week in customs.
Farmers: The Original Influencers (Minus the Sponsored Posts)
Let’s give credit where it’s due. British farmers aren’t just out there in muddy fields for the ‘gram. They’re up at 5am, come rain, shine, or Brexit, producing some of the world’s best beef, lamb, cheese, and veg. In fact, British farms support over 4 million jobs and manage nearly three-quarters of the UK’s land. That’s a lot of countryside—and a lot of hard graft.
But hey, let’s not make it too easy for them. Between unpredictable weather, supermarket price wars, and the ever-present threat of “cheaper” imports, British farmers are basically the unsung heroes of your Sunday roast. So, if you like eating, you might want to keep them around.
A Word on Celebrity Farming: Clarkson’s Cows & Country file’s Camera Crews
Now, let’s talk about the sudden rockstar status of British farming—thanks, in no small part, to Jeremy Clarkson and his (occasionally) functional tractor. “Clarkson’s Farm” has done more for the public’s understanding of British agriculture in two seasons than 30 years of Country file’s polite strolls through muddy fields ever managed. Who knew all we needed was a bit of swearing, some truly questionable sheep-herding, and an Amazon Prime budget to make farming go viral?
Don’t get us wrong—Countryfile, with its rolling shots of the Cotswolds and gentle interviews about lambing season, has been a staple of Sunday TV since the days when a pint cost £1. But after three decades, most viewers still think “crop rotation” is a dance move and “soil health” is a spa treatment. Enter Clarkson, who’s shown us that farming is less about picturesque hay bales and more about paperwork, unpredictable weather, and the kind of financial risk that would make a hedge fund manager weep.
So, hats off to Jeremy for reminding the nation that farmers are the real deal—grappling with government forms, runaway cows, and the eternal optimism required to plant another field of wheat after last year’s disaster. If you’ve watched Clarkson’s Farm and still think the countryside is all sunshine and scones, we’d like to invite you to join in a potato harvest. Bring wellies. And a sense of humour.
Local Sourcing: Because We’re Gluttons for Punishment (and Flavour)
At The Upton, we’re stubborn about one thing (well, maybe two if you count our chef’s refusal to put pineapple on pizza): we buy British wherever we can. Our seafood comes from Kingfisher, our meat from Ruby & White in Devon, and a solid 30% of our menu is sourced within 50 miles. Not because it’s trendy, but because it tastes better, supports local jobs, and means our food doesn’t need a passport.
It’s not the easy route—sometimes it means changing the menu when the weather’s wild or the crops are late. But we think it’s worth it. And judging by the empty plates and happy faces, you seem to agree.
The Real Cost of Cheap Food
Let’s not kid ourselves: cheap imported food often comes at a cost we don’t see on the receipt—lower animal welfare standards, more pesticides, and a carbon footprint that would make Greta Thunberg need a lie-down. British farmers are held to some of the highest environmental and animal welfare standards in the world. So when you pay a bit more for that local steak, you’re voting for better food, a healthier countryside, and a future where your kids can still see cows that aren’t just on TikTok.
So, What Can You Do? (Besides Reading This Blog)
Eat local: Next time you’re at The Upton, ask about the origins of your dish. (Spoiler: it’s probably from down the road.)
Visit a farm: Many British farms open their gates for tours—go see the work that goes into your food.
Support farmer’s markets: Fresh, local, and you get to meet the people behind your meal.
Be curious: Ask questions, read labels, and don’t be afraid to choose local over “cheap and cheerful.”
Share the love: Tell your friends why British farming matters—bonus points for sarcasm.
A Toast to British Farmers (And a Friendly Nudge)
So, next time you raise a glass at The Upton, make it a toast to the people growing, rearing, and catching the food on your plate. If supporting British farming is wrong, we don’t want to be right. And if anyone asks why you bother? Just smile and tell them, “Because I like my food fresh, my countryside green, and my sarcasm served with a side of facts.”
Ready to Support Real British Farming?
Book your table at The Upton, taste the difference local makes, and raise a glass to the folks who make your Sunday roast possible (no film crew required). Click to reserve your spot, or just pop in—muddy boots and all. We’ll save you a seat (and maybe a potato or two).
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