Farm incomes dropped drastically last year, as poor weather combined with the impact of the pandemic and Brexit-related issues wiped close to a billion pounds off the UK’s farming economy and increased hardship for many small farmers. Overall, there was a drop of £999m in the value of crop output, though livestock value increased by about £490m over the year. But many fear that the payments will spur further consolidation in UK farming, squeezing out small farmers in favour of huge intensive agri-businesses and factory farms. They’re cutting support payments, offering trade deals without sufficient guarantees, and they’re encouraging experienced farmers to leave without ensuring someone will replace them. Prince Charles wrote in the Guardian this week that small farmers were essential for a sustainable future agriculture that would reduce greenhouse gases and nurture the countryside.

Source: The Guardian May 28, 2021 15:56 UTC