Prince criticises store giants in defence of farmers

In an editorial for a national magazine, the Prince questions why farmers have to act as a “buffer for the retailer and consumer against all the economic uncertainties of producing food”, with the country’s agricultural industry having taken a battering in recent years due to the spread of bovine TB, hard winters and a late spring this year.

In guest editing a special edition of rural affairs magazine Country Life to mark his 65th birthday, the Prince of Wales outlines his fears for farming, admitting he is concerned that the sector ranks among the least desirable careers for young people and that the average age of a British farmer is 58.

Charles wrote in his leader that the British countryside is “as precious as any of our great cathedrals and we erode it at our peril”.

The magazine’s editor, Mark Hedges, said the Prince’s essay reveals his unconditional passion for the countryside, and added: “The Prince has become the countryside’s strongest voice, his support for it is something that, as a nation, we should treasure. What the next king thinks matters.”

It is the first time Charles has edited a national publication, although he has previously written for newspapers and magazines. He chose the November 13 issue to coincide with his 65th birthday tomorrow.

The Prince uses his presence to make proposals to tackle the shortage of affordable rural housing, includes a piece by Ilkley-born TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh about his gardens at Birkhall and gives the Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust the opportunity to launch its Big Farmland Bird Count. Farmers and gamekeepers are urged to take part in the count between February 1 and 7 to help determine how bird species are faring on UK farmland.