AIBU to think that the UK cannot afford farmers?

[purpleleotard]

Given that for some farmers on marginal land earn 80% of their income from subsidies.
Presumably the government, of any colour, will be looking at the cost of these subsidies when we exit the EU.
Will the population be expected to pick up the exorbitant cost.
Some 'farmers' are controlling huge areas of land for their own enjoyment at the cost to the public purse.
I am especially exercised by farmers in mountain areas like Snowdonia who keep the hills bare of the natural trees by running large numbers of sheep, when more sheep equals more subsidy.

Why do posters think that by dint of being a farmer or the partner of a farmer, followed by 'fuck off' that they are contributing to the discussion?

I work for a government department actively involved in agriculture. I'm seriously concerned that decisions related to agriculture will become politicised post brexit and the possible impact on farming. It's an enormous issue. Our Agri economy is currently supported in a Continental context. To assume this will continue is naive.

decisions related to agriculture will become politicised post brexit

They certainly will.

What an ignorant post, op.

Why do posters think that by dint of being a farmer or the partner of a farmer, followed by 'fuck off' that they are contributing to the discussion? Because we're all fed up...and exhausted.

I am more peeved that it is easier to find British meats in Aldi than Sainsbury's fwi

I agree and think that Sainsbury's is appalling for meat, no free range in the one near me either.

People want too much for too little.

Quite possibly the most ridiculous thread ever. Unbelievable that someone could be so utterly dense. OP, we need even more farmers if that was possible. Then they get idiots somebody raising a stupid question like this. I raise my hat to farmers everywhere. Bloody hard job.

Oh, and op, massively short-sighted view

Its folk like the farmers on this thread and the one who lives near to me that keep us fed and in milk.
Don't be so dim

Why do posters think that by dint of being a farmer or the partner of a farmer, followed by 'fuck off' that they are contributing to the discussion? Because we're all fed up...and exhausted

So is most of the country, plus, you don't know what I do for a living.

It could be an interesting discussion and informative (without the boring old biscuits and swearing).

I'm not sure who is more stupid.

The OP or JanetBrown.

Unless Janet is a sock puppet?

Nice to see a lot of support for farmers.

I totally agree with supporting agriculture. Without food as a nation we would be incredibly vulnerable.

However, the current subsidy system is not right and I would rather farm without it. Big arable boys get a lot of money that should be going to other areas of farming.

A lot of uk pension money is tied up in land wealth.

Possibly, or you can pick up the same cost by paying the economic cost of the food that is produced, or you can accept lack of food security.

Hadn't you worked that out before you voted Brexit. Or is it only now that you are starting to think through the consequences?

Yep.

Unfortunately, our agricultural sector is very reliant on cheap Eastern European labour, and it isn't the case that this displaced the Brits doing the jobs either. I'm not saying there are no instances of that happening, but there were problems getting enough British people to work in the sector pre 2004 also.

One hears people, often Brexiters, saying we'll just have to learn to pay more for our food in that case, that when there's a labour shortage farmers will need to pay what's needed to attract workers. The problem is, we won't 'have to' do that at all. If imported food is cheaper, that's what people are going to buy.

I am not saying this doesn't frighten me, btw. I'd prefer to have domestic agriculture. But we are going to have to face up to the possibility that we either need lots of cheap migrant labour or government subsidy, either to farmers directly or to allow British people to actually move to areas of high labour demand with their families to do the work, and accept that they'll be seasonally unemployed.

We've had 'benefits jealousy', now we see 'subsidies jealousy'.

LOL.

Subsidies didn't need to be so high before we entered the EU and their low welfare standards and therefore overheads, combined with the single market meant that British farmers would have been driven to bankruptcy without them.

Hopefully after leaving the EU and with more people generally being more morally and ethically aware of food miles and animal welfare (not you, obviously) we can continue producing top quality animal products in this country, contributing to our nation's economy, environmental standards and health, and won't need to consume any hormone packed, battery farmed produce from the EU just because they are cheaper.

However- you've obviously done your research and know all about this issue so I'll pipe down.

Actually we have never been as healthy as during WW2 rationing as we eat far too much food I'm sure you'll love eating the WW2 diet, Janet.
Do you grow your own vegetables? Here's a recipe for Woolton Pie
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woolton_pie

Do people think farmers are living the life of riley from these subsidies?

Some people must think that.

I've always thought farming looks like a true vocation. A physically intense job, early starts, late finishes, few holidays, not many riches to show for it. I couldn't do it but certainly value those who do!

Supermarket milk is currently £1.00 / 4 pints, ridiculously low. It should be double.

Is that you Theresa?

Being the owner of an allotment for 3 years I can tell you it's bloody back-breaking trying to grow anything, let alone enough to feed yourself, your family and sell any excess at market!
Even with all your effort you are still at the mercy of the weather, diseases and pests!

OP - not only are you BU but also bloody stupid.

Janet might prefer some Spam fritters derxa.

Although that Woolton Pie does look yummy 😯😯😉

Jesus I didn't think folk could be so bleddy dim

When, exactly, was Snowdonia tree covered? When did those pesky subsidised sheep take over? Absolutely incredulous post op! Total
rubbish.

We can't afford not to have farmers, OP (if you are still around, not just posting crap and running)

We have realised from living overseas that we have incredibly cheap food staples in the UK (bread, milk, butter type things). I don't know whether this is as a result of EU subsidies, supermarket loss-leading or something else, but it is frankly obscene to be able to buy four pints of milk for a quid and expect a farmer to make a living

Derxa , DairyFarmersWife , other farmers:

Is it very hard as a farmer to avoid being asset rich but cash poor? Or do you think a lot of farmers are doing OK and make a decent profit? Do lots have other revenue streams eg. Venue hire? Does it differ between arable / dairy / meat farming?

I actually live in a very rural farmy area, but am totally ignorant of these things!!