GCSE Geography Resource management

HOW IS THE DEMAND FOR FOOD CHANGING IN THE UK?

~The population in 2037 is expected to be around 73 milion (from 64 million in 2015)

~ ^ increases food demand

~the UK isn't self sufficient- around 40% of food is imported

WHAT IS THE IMPACT OF IMPORTING FOOD?

*Increased food miles

*Expensive to transport

*Adds to carbon footprint

HOW IS THE UK RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGES?

~Concern over dependancy,especially with Brexit

~Growing interest in local food

~Interest in seasonal foods

LYNFORD HOUSE FARM, EAST ANGLIA

Lynford House Farm in East Anglia is a large arable farm of 570 hectares. As an agribusiness it has high inputs of chemicals, machinery and other investments.

~The fertile land is intensively farmed to maximise productivity and profitability.

~The main crops are wheat, sugar beet and potatoes which are well suited to the fertile soils and a warm, sunny climate.

~Chemicals are widely used as pesticides and fertilisers

~Machinery costs are high but make the farm efficient. It only employs a small number of workers.

~The farm has invested in a 54-million litre reservoir to tackle frequent water shortages in this dry area.

RIVERFORD ORGANIC FARMS

Riverford Organic Farms began as an organic food and dairy farm in rural Devon. It supplied local people with fresh boxes of food delivered weekly. The company now delivers boxes of vegetables around the UK from its regional farms in Devon, Yorkshire, Peterborough and Hampshire. These farms help Riverford to:

~Reduce food miles

~Support local farmers

~Provide local employment

~Build a strong link between grower and consumer