The Countryside Matters!

A quote from the National Farmers' Union ? A quote from a harrassed, suicidal farmer ?

No ! It is a quote from 'The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire' by Edward Gibbon 1737 - 1794, Chapter 8.

Even if though it was written over 200 years ago about a civilization which came to an end 1500 years ago, the quote is as true today as ever. Agriculture is, and always has been, taxed from both ends.

Let me explain:

For the sake of the environment the Government places a 'polluters tax' on fossil fuels and artificial fertilizers.The manufacturer increases the price of his products by the amount of the tax. The farmer, if he buys, as he must, fuel and fertilizer pays the price, including tax, to the manufacturer. The manufacturer's profit margin remains the same.

For the sake of human health the Government imposes a charge on slaughter houses to cover the cost of hygeine inspections. The slaughter house increases its charge for the killing and dressing of cattle, sheep and pigs. The wholesaler must meet those charges and so pays less to the farmer for his stock.

The Supermarket wants to draw more customers and reduces the price of its pork chops, selling two for the price of one. It needs to maintain its profit margin so it sources its meat from overseas where it is cheaper.(No animal rights taken into account). The British farmer either has to sell at the same price or not sell at all.

There is at the present time an over-production of food worldwide, especially meat. The 'Poor Countries' produce food cheaper than the U.K. Therefore Supermarkets source their produce from the cheapest supply. We eat cheaply and well and the food producers get poorer and poorer.

Cheap food in the First World is an affront to both the dignity of humankind and the righteousness of God.

The World Trade Organisation and the GATT trade agreements are driven by transnational companies looking for short term profit. The slump in farming in Britain is only one symptom of worldwide injustice.

T.W.Brighton 12/02/00