british agriculture托福阅读

british agriculture托福阅读

The reading passage provides information about British agriculture,

focusing on its historical development, challenges, and current

status.

Historical Development:

British agriculture has a long history, starting from the

advancements made during the Agricultural Revolution in the 18th

century. This revolution introduced new farming techniques, such

as crop rotation and enclosure, leading to increased productivity

and efficiency. In the 19th century, mechanization further

revolutionized British agriculture with the introduction of

machinery like the steam engine and threshing machine.

Challenges:

British agriculture faced numerous challenges throughout history.

One of the major challenges was the decline in the number of

agricultural workers due to urbanization and migration to industrial

areas during the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, the two World

Wars in the 20th century resulted in the loss of agricultural labor

and disruption of farming activities. The increasing import of food

from overseas also posed a threat to the sustainability of British

agriculture.

Current Status:

Despite the challenges, British agriculture has evolved and adapted

to the changing environment. Shifts in land use and agricultural

practices have occurred to meet the demands of a growing

population. The focus has shifted from traditional crops like wheat

and barley to more specialized products, such as fruits and

vegetables. Organic farming has also gained popularity, driven by

consumer demand for sustainable and locally produced food.

The government has taken several initiatives to support and

promote British agriculture. Subsidies and grants are provided to

farmers to encourage sustainable practices and protect the

environment. The British agricultural industry is now more

integrated with global markets, exporting products to various

countries. However, it still faces challenges such as climate change,

changing consumer preferences, and competition from large-scale

industrial farming operations.

In conclusion, British agriculture has a rich history and has faced

various challenges throughout time. It has evolved to meet the

demands of a changing society and is supported by government

initiatives. However, it continues to face challenges in the modern

era, and its future will depend on its ability to adapt to changing

circumstances.