Coronavirus ‘a wake-up call’ to those who disvalue farmers

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has said the coronavirus crisis is a “wake-up call” to those who do not think British farming is important.

The outbreak of Covid-19 has put serious strain on domestic supply chains, with empty supermarket shelves a common sight across the country as people stockpile food.

British farmers are working hard to continue production, with no indication there is a food shortage, but the spike in demand means replacement stocks are slow to arrive.

See also: Josh Wright: Food security crucial in face of coronavirus

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said the situation was ironic just weeks after Defra adviser Tim Leunig said the UK didn’t need farmers.

“I find it hugely sad that it takes a crisis such as the one we are experiencing to remind us of the importance of being able to feed ourselves and to contribute to feeding others.”

Mr Stocker urged the government to use the health crisis as a wake-up call and reminder of the crucial role farming plays in keeping food in front of the nation.

He said: “The disruption being seen to supply chains could be brought about by any other challenge to society, be it climate change, economic disruption, or serious political unrest – and it’s not difficult to see all these things connected and related to each other.”

Production continues

NFU president Minette Batters said farmers across the country are “absolutely determined” to continue producing food for the British public.

Speaking in a video posted on Twitter (@Minette_Batters), the union leader said farmers are working round the clock to keep food on tables.

As British farmers we’ll do all we can to keep food on the shelves. #StayHealthyEveryone #CoronaCrisisuk #WeStandWithYou pic.twitter.com/XsUDl2VLYv

— minette batters (@Minette_Batters) March 22, 2020

Nottinghamshire farmer Andrew Naish (@farmernaish) said the health crisis highlighted the importance of national food security, as he shared a video on Twitter of carrots being harvested for British shoppers.

British farmers harvesting great British carrots for the great British consumer. National food security is being highlighted loud and clear #Covid_19 pic.twitter.com/io0vF6kjDU

— Andrew Naish (@farmernaish) March 21, 2020

Potato grower and supplier Greenvale AP (@greenvaleAP) said it was proud of its workers and supply chain partners for rallying together to meet shopper demand.

A very important shout out to all of our colleagues and supply chain partners who have all rallied together to meet the demands of the increasing volumes and the challenges we are all facing into as a nation #potatoes #ukfarming #proudofourteams pic.twitter.com/LqYh0c1tfD

— GreenvaleAP (@greenvaleAP) March 19, 2020