What Supporting British Farming Really Looks Like

British farming is the foundation of our rural communities, our food system and the landscapes we cherish. Whether you’re working the land or supporting those who do, farming is a thread that runs through the nation.

As we continue through 2025, we know that farmers across the UK are under more pressure than ever. Input costs continue to rise, weather patterns grow more unpredictable and government policy shifts faster than many can adapt to. These challenges affect not just individual farms but the sustainability of our entire food system.

At Farm & General, we believe backing British farming starts with a clear understanding of these pressures. It also means standing beside you with protection that reflects the real risks of running a farm, helping you move forward with confidence.

A Landscape Shaped by You

About 70% of the UK’s land area, or 17 million hectares, is used for agriculture (Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2023, Defra) [1]. That’s not just land use, that’s land care. Whether you’re tending livestock, sowing fields or planting hedgerows, you shape the countryside we all value.

Your work preserves habitats, supports pollinators and protects water quality. These efforts often go unseen, but they are essential to biodiversity and long-term environmental health.

And beyond the land, farming supports livelihoods. More than 460,000 people are employed in agriculture and its wider supply chain, including vets, agronomists, packers and engineers (Labour Market Overview, Office for National Statistics, 2024) [2]. Each job depends on resilient farms like yours.

We understand that safeguarding your operation means more than just protecting a barn or tractor. That’s why our policies are built to reflect the complex, interconnected nature of your farm: its people, its production and its future.

Declining Food Self-Sufficiency: Why It Matters

In 1984, Britain produced 78% of the food it consumed [1]. By 2023, that number had dropped to around 60% [1]. That trend has real consequences for farmers and the wider public.

When it comes to fresh produce, the gap is even wider. Only 18% of the fruit and 55% of the vegetables consumed in the UK are grown here [1]. The rest is imported, making us more dependent on global markets, rising transport costs and supply disruptions.

If you’re growing food here at home, whether in horticulture, arable or mixed systems, your work is more vital than ever. But the level of investment needed, from specialist equipment to seasonal staff, is significant. Securing that investment through tailored insurance is one way to future-proof your efforts.

Our horticultural cover is designed specifically for growers, including protection for glasshouses, specialist crops and nurseries. We help you plant for tomorrow, knowing your business has support in place.

Farming and the Climate Challenge

Agriculture contributes around 12% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, including 48% of methane and 70% of nitrous oxide emissions (UK Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Final Figures 2023, Defra) [3]. These are serious figures, but so are the steps many of you are already taking.

From planting cover crops to reduce erosion and carbon loss, to restoring hedgerows, creating wetlands and switching to organic or regenerative practices, British farmers are helping lead the climate response.

According to Defra [1], over 500,000 hectares are now under organic management in the UK and many more are part of new Environmental Land Management schemes. But shifting systems takes more than goodwill, it requires planning, capital and risk management.

That’s why our farm policies account for environmental change too. Whether you’re trialling new methods or investing in carbon-smart technology, we offer cover that evolves with your practices.

From Cow to Carton: The Dairy Sector

Dairy is a cornerstone of British agriculture, producing over 13 billion litres of milk every year (Farm Business Income by Type of Farm, Defra, 2024) [4]. It supports thousands of family farms and is behind the staples on most kitchen tables: milk, cheese, butter and yoghurt.

But the sector is doing far more than feeding the nation. Many of you are upgrading facilities, managing slurry more efficiently and exploring renewable energy to reduce emissions. These changes often go unnoticed, but they reflect the commitment dairy farmers make every day.

Events like The Dairy Show, held each October in Somerset, are a chance to showcase that progress. It brings together farmers, suppliers and customers to celebrate innovation across the industry.

We’ll be there on Wednesday 1st October, connecting with producers and discussing how tailored insurance can support modern dairy operations, from herd protection to parlour equipment and beyond.

What Supporting British Farming Really Looks Like

Support can start small. For the public, it’s buying British produce - milk, vegetables, meat or grains. Choosing seasonal food, shopping at farmers’ markets or subscribing to local veg boxes keeps money in the UK and cuts carbon from imported food.

For farmers, support might mean taking time to protect your assets. It’s not about expecting the worst, but planning for the unexpected, because you know how fragile margins can be.

Whether it’s public liability, machinery, livestock or buildings, our insurance is built around the realities of rural life. If you’re running an arable operation in Lincolnshire or a dairy unit in Devon, we’ll work with you to make sure your cover fits.

Backing British Farming Means Backing You

British farming isn’t just a job, it’s a way of life. The stakes are high, not just for your business but for the environment, economy and future food security of the UK.

At Farm & General, we’ve worked alongside farmers for decades. We understand what’s at risk and we build insurance that reflects that - flexible, comprehensive and designed with agriculture in mind.

Because truly backing British farming means recognising what’s required to keep going and being there when it counts.

Learn more about how we support farmers like you. Contact us today.