“It’s high time the equestrian industry gave a Buy British campaign a go.”
A feed manufacturer has voiced its support for British farmers following concern about new Agricultural Property Relief rules announced in the Budget.
Henry Bell & Co believes that a call to ‘buy British’ could be adopted by equestrian and country retailers.
The Grantham-based company, which has worked with farmers since 1825, is championing British-grown and manufactured feeds.
“Our farmers are facing many challenges with the Budget announcement, slender profit margins, a shortage of labour and the effects of climate change - so they really could do with all our help right now,” says Henry Bell & Co trading director Simon Parker.
“We are 100% committed to buying from British farmers and, wherever possible, source all our raw ingredients right here in the UK.”
Henry Bell & Co uses British beet and linseed for its EquiGlo Horse Feeds; British seeds, berries and grain for Henry Bell Wild Bird Care and grains and vegetables for Mr Johnson’s small animal feeds. Its Dog Gone Fishin’ canine treats are made in Cornwall from locally caught fish.
“Buying from British farmers ticks all the boxes for us and allows us to take our place in the animal feed supply chain extremely seriously and reduce our environmental impact by minimising delivery miles,” adds Simon.
Boosting sales for the trade
A Buy British campaign to highlight the provenance and manufacture of goods would be a fantastic way to raise their profile among consumers and boost sales for the trade, Simon believes.
“This approach has been adopted in other sectors and I think it is high time the equestrian industry gave it a go.
“After all, British farming is essential and through buying British products we are helping to maintain local agriculture, preserving our countryside and ensuring we have a resilient food supply chain that we can rely on now and in the future.”
