Countryfile presenter and Gloucestershire farmer Adam Henson has hit back at criticism of British farming and misconceptions about animal welfare and environmental practices
Countryfile presenter and Gloucestershire farmer Adam Henson has spoken out about what he sees as persistent misconceptions surrounding British farming, insisting the industry is too often unfairly criticised for “doing the wrong thing” despite operating under some of the strictest standards in the world.
The 60-year-old, who has been a familiar face on BBC One’s long-running rural affairs programme for more than two decades, addressed the issue while discussing public perceptions of agriculture and environmental impact. Speaking on The FarmED podcast, Adam was asked by presenter Alex Dye whether misconceptions around farming irritate or concern him. Henson did not hesitate to highlight what he believes is a major misunderstanding.
Henson, who farms in the Cotswolds and is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most prominent advocates for modern agriculture, stressed that British farmers are held to exceptionally high standards compared with many other parts of the world.
He said: “Well, I think the carbon one is a big one that we’ve talked about already. Some of the animal welfare — I’d like people to understand that in this country, something that the farmers moan about is our legislation.
“But we have some of the tightest legislation in the world, and that is for animal welfare, the way we manage our waste, the way we manage our inputs, and the way we manage our people. You know, human resources and employment law are exemplary.”
According to Henson, these realities are often overlooked when farming is blamed for environmental damage or poor practices. He suggested that agriculture has become an easy target, particularly in debates around pollution and climate change.
“And so I think there’s sometimes some big fingers pointed at us for doing the wrong thing, but actually, we’re trying really hard to feed the nation and to do a good job,” he continued. “Of course, we don’t get it right all the time. And sometimes, you know, we look at the why, and pollution from chicken farms, but it’s not all chicken farms. You know, there’s sewage in there as well, and so there’s sometimes big fingers pointed at the agricultural world in the UK, and it’s unfair.”
Henson has spent much of his career attempting to bridge the gap between farmers and the public. He joined Countryfile in 2001 and has since become one of the programme’s best-known presenters, regularly fronting reports on farming, conservation, food production and rural life.
His television credits extend beyond Countryfile to include Countryfile Summer Diaries and Inside Out. Thanks to his wealth of agricultural expertise, Adam has also contributed to BBC Radio 4’s On Your Farm and Farming Today, while co-presenting Lambing Live alongside Kate Humble.
Away from television, Henson runs a working farm in Gloucestershire and is also closely associated with Cotswold Farm Park, a visitor attraction founded by his late father, Joe Henson. The park has played a significant role in preserving rare breeds and educating the public about British farming — values Adam has continued to champion since taking it on.
Family remains central to his life. Henson is married to his wife, Charlie, with the couple having two grown-up children, Alfie and Ella, who have chosen careers outside of farming.
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