Star Comment: Do your bit to support farmers
Put yourselves in the shoes of a farmer from Shropshire or Mid Wales over the last 25 years or so. Even if you know nothing at all about farming, you will probably be aware that this has not been a golden age for the agricultural industry.
Along with disasters like BSE and foot and mouth disease they have been on the receiving end of a squeeze that has been draining the lifeblood from rural Britain.
Some farmers have had enough, and decided they cannot go on, bringing to an end a way of life which has been passed down the generations, dismantling farming dynasties, and making another small break in that invisible chain which links the people with the land which provides their food.
A lot of things go in cycles, but what is happening in modern times is an assault on Britain's farming base which will have consequences from which there can be no full recovery.
While all this is happening, shoppers continue to go to the supermarkets and pick up their meat and milk, and understandably not giving any thought to where they come from, or who has produced them, let alone to the problems they may now be experiencing.
Our Fair Deal For Farmers campaign aims to highlight some of the great work that our farmers do, and their importance which, even in rural areas like Shropshire and Mid Wales, is in danger of being taken for granted.
They play their part in the local economy directly, and also through that spider's web that interconnects so many other businesses who supply the farming industry, or are supplied by it.
Step forward hotels, restaurants, and cafes. We are looking to highlight those who are supporting our farmers. Take a bow those shops which make a point of stocking local produce. Consumers are increasingly taking note of where their food comes from, and they can be reassured that if it is the product of local farms, it has the stamp of quality.
The various movements on the international stage having their effect on farmers are beyond the control of ordinary people. But ordinary people can have an influence at the grass roots.
That is why we want to spread the word about our fantastic farmers and to encourage folk to support them. It is a way of life without which our countryside would be, in more ways than one, a much poorer place.
Join our campaign – and highlight how you place the produce of Shropshire and Mid Wales in the shop window.
We have launched a directory of businesses that support our region's farmers - see it at shropshirestar.com/farmers
You might be a butcher, baker, deli or even a florist. You may run a restaurant, pub or cafe. Or you may sell your wares at fairs or farmers markets.
As long as you use produce made by farmers in our region, you can be included.
The Shropshire Star will create an online directory of businesses that support our farmers.
And we will send you a Fair Deal for Farmers window sticker that you can display to your customers.
It is easy to get involved:
Send an email to us at: newsroom@shropshirestar.co.uk
Write to: Fair Deal, Shropshire Star, Ketley, Telford TF1 5HU
We need to know your name, the name of your business and its address and how you support farmers – please also name farms you support and the produce you either sell or serve up.
