The relationship between NHS and farming
Jenny Jeffries
Our Prime Minister Keir Starmer was quoted in an interview last week by saying voters must choose between a 'tax break' for farmers or tackle the NHS backlogs. How about our government invests in farming and start to revolutionise the food system to produce highly nutritious food in more accessible places and affordable avenues to ultimately reduce the consumption of ultra processed foods and to deduct revenue and profit from the large corporations who are contributing to the current obesity and mental health crisis? Surely the corporate fat cats are morally and directly responsible for the heavy burden upon our NHS?
Jenny Jefferies explores further the widening gap between farmer and consumer for Love British Food…
We are all in it together
We are living in the middle of a modern epidemic of mass misinformation where an awful lot of people are making an awful lot of noise to the detriment of our food producers, especially our farmers. The challenges currently facing farmers both here in the UK and around the world are not exclusive to just paying ‘a bit more tax’; but also climate change, conflict, delicate local, national, and international economies, politics and policies, rise in cost of living, rise in cost of fuel and fertiliser, shortage of labour, post Brexit, post pandemic… we are all in it together.
Farmers in the UK are under so much pressure.
Farmers in the UK are under so much pressure to not only produce highly nutritious food for us all to eat, but also to look after our immediate environments, to educate the public, to inform consumers, to ‘tell their story’, to inspire the next generation, whilst at the same time making the farming business viable, profitable and sustainable.
There’s absolute no sufficient financial support from the ever changing government administrations; initiating the now infamous and devastating inheritance tax, and withdrawing the BPS (Basic Payment System), to mention but a few, and in parallel getting increasingly taken advantage of by large corporations and supermarkets, by not giving farmers a fair price for their produce, and along with depleting agricultural resources and a consistent lack of support for the mitigating risks of TB and bird flu.
The average age of a farmer here in the uk is 58 (Farming UK). Three people in the UK farming and agricultural industry die by suicide every week, according to the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). And the tragedy that dare not speak its name; people who trespass on land that doesn’t belong to them, and in the middle of dark night to hare course and breed dogs purely for their speed and aggression to the detriment of crops and livestock, and of course, the hares themselves.
This increasingly heavy load upon the shoulders of our food producers is actually unfathomable, outrageous and very dangerous.
Are we not asking too much from our farmers?
Is this not seriously time to take a step back and consider the detrimental effect that is happening to people who are simply growing our food? There is, however, nothing simple about it. Food is far from simple. Food is complicated. Power, influence, money, people; they all play a significant part. But it is the people that really matter; perhaps especially those whom are on the front line in this war against corporate greed, conscious selfishness and political ignorance.
Farmers are a very rare breed. But that doesn’t justify the colossal burden of simply expecting farmers to have all the answers. But they so often do.
The future is in our hands
There is a profound and powerful movement from the ground up where British farmers are now making positive and powerful decisions to farm regeneratively, in amongst other farming initiatives such as agroecology, permaculture, urban, organic and vertical farming.
When other people have persistently let our food producers down; farmers are beginning to fight back. This, perhaps, is just the beginning.
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I’m lucky to have 30 years across the ‘One Health’ spectrum from soil & livestock as a farm Vet previously, to food systems & health, in my current role as a Public Health Nutritionist! It was so inspiring in July to join other health practitioners, farmers, policy-makers and food providers and speak at Groundswell, our UK regenerative farming festival.
Launched in May, Love British Food’s podcast Get Seasonal is continuing to voice the importance of generating greater demand for UK produce with the release of its second summer edition. Made by chefs for chefs, the podcast aims to highlight the importance of supporting British produce within the food service and hospitality industries and promotes sustainable, British-sourced produce. This episode, hosted by Ian Nottage, head of food development at Fresh Direct, and Graeme Collie, executive chef at King’s College London, features two new guests and one returning. They discuss more about the importance of seasonality in our British menus and how we can maximise the ingredients we have on our doorsteps. The first guest is Jon Hammond, a fourth-generation farmer from Hammonds farm in Nottinghamshire, highlighting challenges faced by British farmers. He discusses climate concerns, and the balance needed between soil health and sustainability with larger scale operations to meet consumer demands. Lecturer and game expert, Jose Souto, from Westminster Kingsway College, talks about the myths surrounding wild meats. He explains that each variety has different sustainable and ethical implications, as well as requiring distinct handling and preparation methods when it comes to maintaining flavour and quality. Colin Wheeler James, founder of the Ground Up Cookery School, returns by popular demand to share his insights into creative uses of foraged ingredients. His segment focuses on pairing them with game, and highlights the sustainability benefits of using local, seasonal, and wild ingredients. The key takeaway is clear - we should celebrate the best of British produce when it is fresh and in-season. For anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons, the Love British Food Get Seasonal podcast is available now on all major platforms, including Spotify, iTunes, or listen on the Love British Food website.
Courteenhall Estate, a model of regenerative farming nestled in the rolling countryside of South Northamptonshire, provided a stunning backdrop for Love British Food’s tenth on-farm training day. The Estate’s rich heritage is married to a compelling story of innovation, stewardship and sustainability which perfectly aligned with the purpose of the visit – to connect changemakers across the public sector with the people and places behind the food they serve. The training day brought together over 20 professionals working across schools, hospitals, universities, care homes, local authorities and the supply chain. All united by the shared goal of putting more British produce on the menu in public sector settings. From the outset, the day cultivated open conversation, collaborative thinking, and a renewed sense of purpose for everyone present. A thriving example of sustainable British farming Hosted by Dr Johnny Wake, British Farming Awards’ Sustainable Farmer of the Year 2024, the event offered attendees a first-hand view of nature-friendly farming in action. Johnny, returned to run the 350-year-old family estate after a career in medicine. Bring his expert insight on health and applying it to how food is produced in the healthiest way while benefiting the environment. Over more than a decade, he has transformed Courteenhall into a shining example of regenerative agriculture. Under his guidance, the Estate has diversified from traditional arable to a mixed farm that has introduced combinable crops such as cereals, oilseeds and pulses as part of the rotation to build soil health. Livestock have been reintroduced including the heritage breed of Hereford cattle. This hardy herd are Reared to Pasture for Life standards by grazing the ancient parkland throughout the year. This benefits biodiversity, sequesters carbon, supports human health and animal welfare. The landscape itself told a story – lush wildflower strips including rare orchids, cover crops, and vibrant hedgerows served to evidence of the farm’s commitment to biodiversity, carbon capture, and soil health. Visitors saw sustainability in action; as an operational ethos rooted in both legacy and future-thinking. Connecting sectors, sharing solutions Love British Food’s changemaker events are never passive learning days – they are spaces for people working in public sector catering to forge connections, share challenges, and co-create solutions. Over a lunch of seasonal British produce, delegates engaged in practical discussions around procurement barriers, seasonal menu planning, and leveraging local supply chains. Examples shared on the day illustrated what success looks like in action: Nottingham County Council’s County Enterprise Foods radically restructured its supply chain to source 100% fresh local produce Milton Keynes University Hospital reported cost savings through working with a local butcher An NHS Trust restructured its tendering process to accommodate a regional dairy supplier NHS caterer reported move from per-patient budgets to fortnightly budgets to deliver savings Schools using regional wholesalers for fresh vegetables and meat Local dairy farm supplied ice cream to hospital, improving nutritional value North Shropshire hospital sourcing beef from a local farm and putting it on their menu once a month These stories demonstrated how policy shifts, procurement language, and courageous leadership can unlock opportunities for British producers. As one attendee put it, “Today has shown how much positive impact you can have through small but meaningful changes. Shouting about what you’re already doing, telling the story – it becomes part of your customer experience.” The power of networks With Courteenhall marking the tenth farm visit, Love British Food’s training programme has now created a nationwide network of over 200 changemakers. These are individuals return to their institutions empowered and equipped to push for incremental but impactful shifts in sourcing policy. Founder Alexia Robinson described the importance of this network: “Each of our changemakers leaves with a deeper understanding of how the food we eat is produced, and why that matters for sustainability, nutrition, and local economies. Their collective impact is immense – British food becomes not just a procurement choice, but a values-led statement.” This growing network is already delivering on that promise, advocating for systemic change in the way public institutions think about food. Attendees discussed how procurement frameworks can be rewritten to prioritise sustainability, how stories from farms can help meet Ofsted and CQC objectives, and how even minor shifts in menus can support the broader goal of a healthy, sustainable food system. From vision to action The event closed with a strong sense of optimism and forward motion. As delegates prepared to return to their respective organisations, the mood was one of resolve. The visit had reaffirmed the link between food, land, health, and sustainability. Most importantly, it had sparked ideas for how to turn knowledge into action. Love British Food’s farm training visits are not just about showcasing British farming, they are about cultivating a movement. They remind us that changing our food system is not about one big leap, but about many people making small, meaningful steps, together. As one changemaker concluded: “Whether it’s choosing a local butcher, sourcing seasonal veg, or championing British produce in a school lunch, it all adds up. That’s the power of this programme. It gives us the knowledge and the network to make it happen.” As out host farmer, Johnny spoke of the impact the day and how it changed his perception: “I now have a much better understanding of the multiple challenges in public sector catering. While sweeping reform won’t happen overnight, small, strategic changes will deliver long-term improvements to public health and our environment.” Quotes from the day: "Change needs to be accessible and actionable. Today has shown how much positive impact you can have through small but meaningful changes." “We urgently need to dispel the myth that fresh, British produce is more expensive – when considered in a wider social and economic context.” “We need to make food a priority in the NHS. Too often the focus in hospital is on cure rather than prevention.” “The programme provides a vital opportunity to see the work that British farmers put into producing food” “We need to make food a priority in the NHS. Too often the focus in hospital is on cure rather than prevention.” “Shout about what you are already doing, tell the stories so it becomes part of your organisation and your customer experience” “I am hugely grateful to Johnny for hosting and sharing how regenerative farming contributes to British food production.” “Johnny was such an outstanding host, with a wealth of knowledge to share and a keen interest in the intricacies of public sector procurement.” Caterers, Dieticians, Procurement Leads and Board Members are all invited to attend our farm visits. Each visit runs from approx. 11am – 3pm and involves a farm tour followed by working lunch and discussion on opportunities and challenges. Anyone interested in attending a future farm visit and joining our cohort of changemakers should contact: info@lovebritishfood.co.uk
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A new commitment to British food and farming was unveiled at the University of Warwick today as the Love British Food Pledge made its debut at the prestigious TUCO Competitions Event. Co-created by Tim Radcliffe , NHS England and Alexia Robinson , Founder of Love British Food, the initiative calls on industry leaders, influencers, and media to publicly pledge their support for homegrown food and farming. At the heart of the launch is a Pledge Board , inviting attendees to physically sign their commitment to the principles of the Pledge. The Pledge outlines core commitments: We, the undersigned, proudly commit to supporting and promoting British food and farming. Together, we pledge to: Champion British Produce - Prioritise the sourcing, supply, and promotion of British-grown and British-made food wherever possible. - Highlight the quality, sustainability, and heritage of British produce in all aspects of our work. Support British Farmers, Producers and Manufacturers - Build strong, fair, and transparent relationships with British farmers, growers, producers and manufacturers. - Encourage investment in British agriculture by promoting its importance to local economies and communities. Promote Sustainability and Seasonality - Advocate for sustainable farming and production practices that protect our countryside and environment. - Celebrate the seasonality of British food, reducing food miles and minimising waste Inspire Consumers to Choose British - Educate and inspire customers and communities about the benefits of choosing British food. - Create opportunities to showcase the diversity and excellence of British food and drink through menus, events, and campaigns. Work Together for a Stronger Future - Collaborate with like-minded organisations and businesses to strengthen British food’s presence locally and globally. - Advocate for policies that support the growth and success of British agriculture and food production. - By signing this pledge, we affirm our commitment to the values of Love British Food, to ensure a thriving future for British food, farming, and communities. Love British Food’s Alexia Robinson commented: “British food is the backbone of our nation’s health, economy, and identity. This Pledge gives people across our industry a powerful way to show their support and drive real change in sourcing, sustainability and education,” NHS England’s Tim Radcliffe added: “We believe this initiative will energise the sector and create a ripple effect - encouraging public services, retailers, and the wider food industry to source British and support our farmers.” Graeme Collie, TUCO concluded: “We were delighted to launch the Love British Food Pledge at the TUCO Competitions event today and I'm sure the TUCO members will continue to support the Pledge this year. Many TUCO members were keen to commit to the pledge and show their support to British food and farming.” Following its launch at TUCO, the Love British Food Pledge will feature at major sector events throughout the year, including the LACA Main Event in July, as well as the NACC and HCA annual events. This campaign comes at a pivotal time for British food production, as consumers and caterers alike demand greater transparency, sustainability, and local provenance in their food choices.
