The Royal Show is in Stoneleigh 1-4 July 2002. For visiting details follow the link on the left.
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The opening day of Royal Show 2002 reviewed by Paul Bradley, website user
听Since the last Royal Show in 2000, British Agriculture has endured some of its most difficult times in living memory, especially with the carnage caused by Foot and Mouth disease, the cause of last year's Royal Show cancellation.
In such difficult times for those involved in this sector would the annual agricultural showpiece event be able to raise spirits for the industry?
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| 听 |  | Prince Charles at The Royal Show
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Prince Charles opened the first day of the three-day show. He gave a poignant speech, expressing his disbelief that a vital industry like farming should be in such a state of crisis.
He expressed concern that consumer's constant search for cheap food is taking its toll on both the farmer and the British countryside.
He said it is increasingly important for farmers to build partnerships with supermarkets.
听I spoke to a couple of farmers about their specific situations and their response to Prince Charles' comments.
One farmer, who manages a 450 dairy herd of cows in Leicestershire, was not too impressed. He felt supermarkets have far too much power to sustain many of Britain's farms.
He already has to live off his assets from previous years and only last week he was informed by his supermarket purchaser that the price he would get for milk would be lowered from 18p to 16p per litre.
He works from 6am to 10pm, milking his cows three times a day. He cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel and wonders how long his son will be able to continue their business.
| 听 |  | A competitor at The Royal Show 2002
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Brian Brooks, a farmer from Sevenoaks in Kent, took a different view. His main crop is strawberries which he sells via a co-operative to major supermarkets.
By forming such co-operatives farmers gain a greater bargaining position with the supermarkets. In addition, Brian has diversified and rents out reconditioned barns to Blue Chip companies as a relaxed working environment for employees.
He also rents out accommodation to tourists. Last year his farm was featured on the 麻豆官网首页入口's Holiday programme and bookings have been substantial ever since.
Brian also breeds rare cattle, another area from which he can gain an income.
听It was noted by several people that there was a significant decrease in exhibitors this year compared to previous years.
As you would expect, most of the usual farming agencies and farming equipment manufacturers were on show.
However the numbers of people surrounding such stands were overshadowed by the major supermarket chains.
The food halls were very popular with many small providers displaying their goods from 拢7000 60-year-old malt whiskey through to pork, leek and stilton sausages. With all these you didn't need to go to the supermarkets.
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听As for whether the show would raise spirits within the industry, well the fact that it's on again after a break is a good start and it provides a great opportunity for all involved to share stories and offer advice for the months and years ahead.
The Royal Show is still the number one event of its kind and long may it continue without any further interruptions.
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