Is Britain truly self-sufficient? A 1956 look at the farm.
In short: In 1956, the UK faced a pressing question: was the nation making the most of its land? This archival report explores the balance between homegrown staples and heavy reliance on imports.
This BBC report examines the state of British agriculture in the mid-1950s, highlighting a landscape of mixed success. While the country achieved high self-sufficiency in milk, potatoes, and green vegetables (four-fifths of which were homegrown), it remained heavily dependent on imports for other staples. Specifically, only one-third of the wheat used for bread was British, and the majority of cheese and ninety percent of butter were imported.
The enquiry features interviews with farmers and technical advisors to assess land usage and training for the next generation. By visiting the Shropshire Farm Institute, the report explores how farming practices were being modernized to improve domestic food production.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 1956: The State of British Farming | Special Enquiry | BBC Archive
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