United Kingdom

The Crop Trust’s Patron is HRH, the Prince of Wales.

The United Kingdom (UK) has a population of nearly 65 million people. Agriculture occupies 77% of the country’s land. The efficiency of UK agriculture has been increasing over a long period. Over half a million people remain employed in agriculture, around 1.7% of the total work force, although this carries greater importance in some rural areas. This has led to increased food production.

A few of the UK’s top agricultural exports are wheat, barley, rapeseed and potatoes.

89-99% of the food energy consumed in the UK comes from crops that are not native to region. Most of these plants’ diversity is found elsewhere on the planet.

The United Kingdom ratified the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) in 2004, joining 142 other contracting parties in commitment to a global system. Additionally, the UK has contributed USD 19,468,582 to the Crop Trust Endowment Fund.