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In the rolling hills of North Yorkshire, farming is not just an industry; it’s a way of life, bringing together economy, lifestyle, local culture and community. From the lush pastures of the Yorkshire Dales to the windswept moors around Osmotherley and Whitby, local farmers have worked these lands for generations, producing some of the finest meat, dairy, and crops in the United Kingdom. However, in recent years, North Yorkshire’s farming communities—like many others across the UK—have faced increasing pressures from international competition, complex regulations, and changing consumer habits – not to mention the cynical attack on farmers by Rachel Reeves in her Autumn Budget 2024.

One solution that has gained traction is a “Buy British” campaign, designed to encourage consumers to support local agriculture and bolster the rural economy.

I strongly believe there is robust case for such a campaign, that is backed by empirical research and examples from countries like France, Australia, and New Zealand, where government initiatives and reductions in regulatory burdens have revitalised domestic agriculture. Furthermore, by cutting the red tape holding back our farmers we could enable them to thrive in a way they have not known before. This would benefit our local economy, secure our food security and bring down the cost of food in our supermarkets.

1. The Economic Case for Buying British: Supporting Local Farmers

At first glance, the “Buy British” movement may seem like a nostalgic nod to protectionism, but it is fundamentally an economic and security imperative. Supporting British farmers through local purchasing strengthens the domestic economy by keeping money circulating within the community. A report by the National Farmers Union (NFU) found that for every £1 spent on British food, approximately 85p stays within the UK economy​ (Brookings). For North Yorkshire’s farmers, where communities like Richmond, Skipton, and Bedale rely heavily on agriculture, these economic benefits are critical.

Buying local also contributes to job security in rural areas. Agriculture accounts for around 1.5% of UK GDP and employs over 470,000 people (Brookings). However, this figure understates the importance of farming to places like North Yorkshire, where entire towns are sustained by farming-related jobs. For instance, towns like Helmsley and Malton depend on their surrounding agricultural industries. In these areas, buying British-grown food directly supports jobs on farms, in local shops, and in food processing.

Countries like France have successfully used domestic purchasing campaigns to stimulate their farming sectors. The French “Origine France Garantie” initiative, which encourages consumers to purchase goods produced in France, has helped sustain their domestic food production, making it more competitive against cheap imports​ (Tax Foundation). British farmers, like those producing North Yorkshire’s famed Wensleydale cheese or Yorkshire lamb, could see similar benefits if consumers prioritised local produce.

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2. Reducing Regulations: The Burden on North Yorkshire Farmers

While buying British is essential, it’s not the whole story. North Yorkshire farmers are struggling under a weight of regulatory burdens that stifle innovation and increase costs. From complex environmental standards to a labyrinth of subsidy applications, the regulatory framework is increasingly seen as a hindrance rather than a help.

Research from the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) has shown that excessive agricultural regulation adds £1.2 billion annually to UK farming costs, and to farmers in North Yorkshire, this is particularly painful. A study by the Federation of Small Businesses found that 46% of farmers believe that red tape is one of the primary barriers to their growth. Imagine spending more time filling out paperwork for sheep subsidies than actually tending your flock! It’s hardly productive rural life that we imagine. Successive governments have been burying farmers under a mountain of parperwork. We need to send farmers to work in fields, not offices!

New Zealand offers an exemplary case study. The country drastically reduced farming subsidies and regulatory hurdles in the 1980s, transitioning to a more market-oriented agricultural sector. Though initially painful, the reforms have been incredibly successful. Today, agriculture in New Zealand contributes over 7% of GDP , and the country is known for its high-quality meat and dairy exports. Importantly, New Zealand’s experience shows that cutting regulations and freeing farmers to innovate can lead to a more competitive and sustainable agricultural sector. The New Zealand example is not one you will hear from the mouths of the Conservative or Labour socialists, but it is one that the UK would do well to replicate.

3. Environmental and Quality Benefits of Buying British

In addition to economic advantages, supporting a “Buy British” campaign has environmental benefits, particularly when applied to the unique landscape of North Yorkshire. Long before sustainability became a trendy buzzword, Yorkshire farmers were managing the land with an eye to its future. Locally sourced food reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance imports. Transporting beef from The Netherlands, for example, involves significant emissions compared to getting it from a farm just outside Richmond.

A 2020 study from the University of Manchester found that imported food accounts for 19% of all food-related emissions in the UK . By choosing British produce from nearby farms, consumers can help lower these emissions. In turn, this supports the environmental stewardship efforts of British farmers, many of whom already implement sustainable practices like crop rotation and hedgerow planting. In North Yorkshire, where farmers manage not just their businesses but the iconic countryside that brings in tourists, these environmental benefits are crucial.

In North Yorkshire it is absurd to be importing applies from France when our own orchards in places like Ampleforth produce some of the finest and variety apples and cider in the country. “We’ve got apples right here!” Ampleforthtonians will tell you, raising a pint of their own cider.

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“A 2020 study from the University of Manchester found that imported food accounts for 19% of all food-related emissions in the UK”.

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4. The Role of Government in Cutting Red Tape

Beyond simply encouraging consumers to buy British, if the current Labour government would give even the slightest thought to farming, they would recognise their key role in reducing the barriers that prevent farmers from simply doing their job. One of the most significant barriers are the stringent regulations related to the aftermath of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Through the CAP British farmers were told precisely how to manage their land and livestock. Post-Brexit, the UK had a fantastic opportunity to reconfigure its agricultural policies to reduce these burdens. The Conservative government never prioritised farmers and utterly failed to capitalise on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We witnessed apathy, inaction and incompetence in the period following Brexit, resulting in uncertainty and confusion across the sector. Sadly, the current Labour administration appears to be a mirror image of their predecessors. Two sides of the same coin.

Several countries have implemented successful strategies for deregulating their agricultural sectors. Australia, for example, has greatly simplified its farming regulations over the last two decades, focusing instead on broad guidelines for sustainability and biosecurity, while allowing farmers more freedom in day-to-day operations. As a result, Australia has become a global agricultural powerhouse, with exports contributing over $60 billion AUD to the economy annually.

In the UK, the NFU has called for the government to streamline the subsidy application process, reduce duplication in environmental regulations, and offer more flexibility for farmers to adapt to market changes. In North Yorkshire, where small farmers dominate the landscape, such changes could be the difference between a farm staying in business or folding under the weight of administrative burdens.

5. Strengthening North Yorkshire’s Communities through Agriculture

Beyond economics, farming is the backbone of many North Yorkshire communities. From the cattle auctions in Thirsk to the summer Rydal Show sheepdog trials in Swaledale, agriculture is integral to local life and culture. A “Buy British” campaign would not only support our local farmers but also the social fabric of these communities – the local shops, pubs and restaurants. Research by Rural England CIC shows that agriculture contributes significantly to community cohesion and rural well-being.

Consider Masham, known for its annual sheep fair, where locals and tourists alike gather to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage. Encouraging consumers to buy local would ensure that these traditions—and the rural economies they support—continue to thrive.

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Conclusion: A Case to Support North Yorkshire’s Farmers

The case for a “Buy British” campaign to support North Yorkshire’s farmers is compelling. From economic gains to environmental benefits, and from reducing regulatory burdens to strengthening rural communities, such a campaign would provide much-needed support to an industry that is at the heart of both the county and the country. As lessons from France, New Zealand, and Australia show, combining domestic purchasing campaigns with government-led regulatory reforms can create a thriving agricultural sector that meets modern demands while preserving traditional ways of life.

For North Yorkshire, with its rich agricultural history, scenic countryside, and strong farming communities, this could be the boost that allows local farmers to flourish in an increasingly competitive global market. So, whether it’s Wensleydale cheese from Hawes, lamb from the Dales, or apples from Ampleforth, the answer is simple: Buy British and let this begin in North Yorkshire.

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References

National Farmers Union (NFU). (2020). The economic impact of British agriculture. National Farmers Union. Retrieved from nfuonline.com

Brookings Institution. (2021). Economic contributions of small-scale farming. Brookings Institution. Available at: brookings.edu

Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). (2020). The impact of regulatory burdens on small businesses in the UK agricultural sector. Federation of Small Businesses. Accessed from fsb.org.uk

Tax Foundation. (2021). How domestic purchasing campaigns can bolster local economies. Tax Foundation. Retrieved from taxfoundation.org

Heritage Foundation. (2022). Economic Freedom of the World Index: Case studies in economic resilience. Heritage Foundation. Available at: heritage.org

University of Manchester. (2020). Carbon emissions in the UK food sector: Imported versus domestic food production. University of Manchester. Available at manchester.ac.uk

Rural England CIC. (2019). The social and economic contributions of agriculture to rural communities in the UK. Rural England CIC. Accessed from ruralengland.org

New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries. (2021). Case study: Deregulation and agricultural productivity in New Zealand. Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand Government. Retrieved from mpi.govt.nz

Australian Treasury. (2021). Australian agriculture: Deregulation, economic growth, and sustainability. Australian Treasury. Available at treasury.gov.au

Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA). (2020). Reducing red tape in UK agriculture: A pathway to sustainability. Institute of Economic Affairs. Retrieved from iea.org.uk

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