Volume 12: Livestock Farming
2. Key features of UK agriculture
Introduction

2.1 This chapter provides a brief overview of UK agriculture, and establishes the general context in which BSE emerged. It highlights the improvements in agricultural production over the last 50 years and the place of the beef and dairy sector in the economy, including exports. It describes the long-established relationship between farmers and the Government, acknowledging the significant role of the Government's advisory and veterinary services in improving agricultural productivity. The long tradition of financial support from both the Government and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), particularly in relation to beef and dairy production, is discussed.