We recently returned from a week in France over half-term. The weather was fantastic, as was the food, beer and wine.

At the same time, a farmer who many of us follow on X – and who also writes for Farmers Weekly – posted the unfortunate news that she and her family will be leaving the UK and beginning a new chapter farming in France.

See also: Why understanding soil biology is key to crop health

Their decision was heavily influenced by the lack of support and awful policy changes and decisions implemented by the current government.

About the author

Anthony Becvar

Anthony Becvar is a third-generation farmer of an 80ha mixed farm in East Sussex on heavy Weald Clay. Crops include spring beans, winter wheat and spring barley, alongside diversification projects which include two breweries and an agricultural mechanic.

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As sad as this situation is, I must applaud them and I wish them the best of luck. I believe they will become a much-valued national asset.

Having spent most of my life visiting France, I hold the country, the people and their customs very close to my heart. Noticeable is their attitude to food.

French people have an affinity with food that is the polar opposite of ours in the UK, and this, I believe, has led to a respected agriculture sector.

French people’s need to buy high-quality bread daily is as important as running water. Every town and almost every village has a baker and a butcher.

Even the super/hypermarchés sell fresh produce, not wrapped in plastic, which is either regionally or nationally produced and seasonal. People in general know where their food comes from and they appreciate it.

They know how to prepare and cook it, and tend to have smaller portion sizes.

Even on the motorway there are cooked meals prepared and served in petrol stations rather than the UK’s usual array of fast food chains.

The average UK shopping basket contains about 50% ultra-processed food, whereas in France this number is 14%.

The percentage of obese adults in the UK is 64%, and in France 45%. The UK’s food system is broken.

This is not just at government level, but throughout, all the way down to the consumer.

I don’t know how we start fixing the problem(s), but I certainly take inspiration from the French and their love and respect for food (and wine). Vive la fermière et le vigneron!