food

• How is the demand for food changing in the UK?

  -The UK imports around 40% of the total food it consumes. This percentage is increasing.
• Why does the UK import so much food?

  -availability of cheaper foods from abroad

  -demand for more exotic foods and seasonal produce all year round

  -the UK climate is unsuitable for the production of some foods
• What is the impact of importing food?

  -food can travel long distances (food miles) and importing food adds to our carbon footprint. This comes from producing the energy for commercial cultivation and transport
• How is Lynford House Farm responding to impacts of importing food (an agribusiness)?

  -the land is intensively farmed, maximising the amount of food produced

  -fertilisers and pesticides are widely used

  -cost of machines is high but increases efficiency

  -a small number of workers are employed
• How are Riverford Organic Farms responding to impacts of importing food?

  -now deliver organic vegetables from farms in Devon, Yorkshire, Peterborough and Hampshire. This reduces food miles and provides local employment