Britain: An official handbook > 1993

16 Agriculture, Fisheries
and Forestry
Agriculture
British agriculture is noted for its high level
of efficiency and productivity. In 1991 it
employed 21 per cent of the total workforce
and Britain was self-sufficient in 58 per cent
of all types of food and animal feed. It was
self-sufficient in nearly 74 per cent of
indigenous-type food and feed. Food, feed
and beverages accounted for over 10 per cent
of Britain’s imports by value in 1991,
compared with about a quarter in the 1960s.
The agricultural contribution to gross
domestic product was £6,324 million in 1991,
about 13 per cent of the total. Britain is also
a major exporter of agricultural produce and
food products, agrochemicals and agricultural
machinery.
The Government aims to foster an
efficient and competitive agriculture industry
through the provision and sponsorship of
research, development and advisory services;
the provision of financial support where
appropriate; measures to control disease, pests
and pollution; and improved marketing
arrangements for food and food products. It
also insists on high standards of animal
welfare. Agriculture ministers must balance
the needs of an efficient agricultural industry
with other interests in the countryside. These
include conservation of its natural beauty and
promotion of its enjoyment by the public.
Land Use
The area of agricultural land has been
declining, although there has been a reduction
in the net rate of loss in recent years. In 1991
there were just under 11-9 million hectares
(29-3 million acres) under crops and grass.
Some 5-9 million hectares (14-6 million acres)
were used for rough grazing, most of it in
hilly areas. Soils vary from the thin poor ones
of highland Britain to the rich fertile soils of
low-lying areas such as the fenlands of
eastern England. The temperate climate and
the relatively even distribution of rainfall over
the year ensure a long growing season;
streams rarely dry up and grassland normally
remains green throughout the year.
Land Use in Britain
Farming
In 1991 there were some 241,000 farm
holdings in Britain (excluding minor
holdings), with an average size of 71 hectares
(175 acres)—again excluding minor holdings.
About two-thirds of all agricultural land is
owner-occupied. About 40 per cent of
holdings are of 4 British Standard Units
(BSUs)1 or less.
The number of people (excluding spouses)
engaged in agriculture in 1991 was about
552,000, compared with 565,000 in 1990 and
an average of 639,000 in 1980-82. The total
for whole-time farmers, partners and
1 BSUs measure the gross income potential of the holding and 4
BSUs is judged to be the minimum size for full-time holdings.
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