|
Britain agriculture plays a significant role in the economical growth of the country. Britain's agriculture is extremely mechanized. Despite being an industrial country, agriculture still plays a vital role in the economy of Britain. Agriculture contributes to about 0.5% of the overall GDP (Gross Domestic Product) of Britain.
Agricultural Products in Britain
The major agricultural products in Britain include, potatoes, cereals, wheat, oats, rapeseeds, barley, maize, sugar beet, oilseed and vegetables. Sheep, poultry, cattle and fish are the main types of livestock in Britain.
Present Scenario of Britain Agriculture
Industry dominates the economy in Britain. Energy and service industry contribute the major portion to the economy of the country. In 1850, agriculture contributed to about 20% of national income and by 1900 this had dropped to just 6%. After the end of World War II, agricultural production in Britain started growing steadily with agrochemicals, mechanization, balanced management and strong government support.
In 2001, the overall labor force in Britain was 29.7 million. Out of the total labor force in Britain, about 1.4% was employed in agriculture sector, 18.2% was employed in industry sector and 80.4% was employed in services sector.
The advent of industrial revolution led to the mechanization of agricultural sector in Britain. This mechanization led to a gradual decline in the amount of labor involvement in the agricultural sector. In spite of the fact that English agriculture presently feeds approximately two thirds of the total population of the country, the number of farm workers in Britain has been declined significantly.
In Britain, two third of the land is occupied for agricultural activities. About 75% of the food consumption in Britain is dependent on agricultural production. In United Kingdom more than 75 % of the land is occupied by the farmers. More than two third of the food consumption in the country is dependent on British agriculture. Farming-related business and agriculture plays a vital role in country's economy. Britain occupies more land for agricultural activities than other leading countries in European Union.
The climate of Britain plays a significant role in developing agricultural production of the country. The eastern part of Britain has more agricultural land than other parts of the nation producing cereals, oilseeds, vegetables and root crops.
|