Around 30,000 people have attended the 227th Westmorland County Show at Crooklands near Kendal, as local farmers used the event to call for stronger political backing for homegrown food production.
The two-day event opened on Wednesday, 9 September, which was Back British Farming Day. The show, described as Cumbria’s biggest agricultural event, has been held in the area since 1799 and is drawing visitors to its show field near Kendal.
Farmers highlight food production concerns
The farming message came as research from the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) said the UK is producing less food than it did 30 years ago. According to the research, the country’s self-sufficiency has fallen in 10 of 11 key food categories over the past three decades, while dependence on imported food has continued to increase.
The NFU is calling on the Government to set ambitious targets for homegrown food production and create conditions that allow farming businesses to invest and grow. Richard Pedley, NFU Cumbria county chair, said the day was an opportunity to celebrate food produced by farming families across the county and thank the public for supporting the industry.
“Back British Farming Day is a chance to celebrate the fantastic food produced by farming families across Cumbria and to thank the public for the continued support they show our industry.”
Mr Pedley said farms produce food to high standards while caring for livestock, managing the countryside and supporting rural communities. He also said farming contributes to the local economy and has a role in addressing environmental challenges, but added that farmers need confidence to invest and plan.
“At a time of increasing global uncertainty, producing more food at home should be a national priority. “We need politicians to recognise the importance of food security and put food production at the heart of decision-making.”
Government sets out its response
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said food security was national security and that the Government was working across the sector to strengthen domestic production and make supply chains more resilient to future shocks.
Defra said domestic food production had remained broadly stable for the past two decades. It also pointed to a recently announced £65 million package intended to help farmers deal with the effects of an exceptionally dry summer.
“British farmers play a vital role in keeping our food secure, and we are working across the sector to strengthen domestic production to make supply chains more resilient to future shocks.”
What visitors can see at the show
The Westmorland County Show includes beef and sheep judging, 400 trade stands and activities focused on country pursuits. Angela Cornthwaite, the show’s chief executive, described it as a major fixture in the farming calendar and an opportunity for people to come together.
The show is due to end on Thursday, 10 September.