Farm Life - Exmoor delights by Roger Hill
We love walking over Exmoor and especially meeting up with the ponies (Equus ferus caballus). They are Britain’s oldest native breed and were almost extinct after the Second World War. Thankfully today their numbers have increased but these magnificent animals are still classed as an endangered species. Occasionally during the autumn they wander near to a farmstead and munch on some apples for a treat. The question is whether these fruits are also endangered. Research has found that half of British fruit and vegetable growers are considering giving up in the next year. Already, whole orchards are being grubbed out because farmers cannot compete with cheap imports whilst maintaining a higher standard of quality. They are not asking for special treatment, just fairness, to the extent that chefs, TV celebrities and conservationists are backing a campaign called #GetFairAboutFarming As I have written before, the world is in a fragile state with regard to food security. We cannot rely on imports when we are quite capable of growing most of our needs here. At least our beloved Exmoor ponies do not have these worries unless, their tasty treat is imported. ‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (website: quoit-at-cross.co.uk)
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