Producers

On this snowy day stuck at home I thought I would look back at a few of last years shoots for the Co-op. They took me all over the Uk and to Jersey and Spain. Meeting the hard working farmers and their workforce who put food onto the shelves.

We take it for granted that we can walk into a supermarket, even on a day like this and find a ready supply of fresh produce. But I have seen the huge amount of work and investment that goes to meet these demands. There is pressure on the growers from all sides. The market means they have to be able to be very competitive in price, meaning highly efficient at growing and using the most modern means to produce the food. They have to be environmentally friendly, using more and more renewable energy sources, reduction in fertilisers and chemicals. Supply the product all year round despite the seasons. And now they have worries about the workforce after Brexit.

I have a huge respect for farmers who will be out today in minus temperatures and deep snow looking after their animals or crops. They can’t just decide to have a duvet day. There work must go on whatever.