Farming (Agriculture)

Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and extremely efficient, producing about 60% of food needs with less than 2% of the labor force. Around two thirds of production is devoted to livestock, one third to crops.

About 25% of Britain's land is arable, and almost half is suitable for meadows and pastures. Barley, wheat, potatoes, sugar beets, fruits, and vegetables are the main crops. The widespread dairy industry produces milk, eggs, and cheese. Beef cattle and large numbers of sheep, as well as poultry and pigs, are raised throughout much of the country. There is also a sizable fishing industry, with cod, haddock, mackerel, whiting, trout, salmon, and shellfish making up the bulk of the catch.