Food and Farming

A living landscape shaped by people, produce and place

Cumberland’s food and farming story is rooted in heritage, community and innovation. With more than 1.3 million acres farmed across 5,000 holdings, the region is home to a diverse network of farmers, growers and food businesses who nourish local people and care for the land. From upland grazing to a renewed interest in fruit and vegetable production, Cumberland’s agricultural identity is both traditional and forward‑looking.

Cumbria is the second largest producer of red meat and milk in the UK, reflecting the strength and resilience of our farming sector. Through Food Cumberland, partners across the region are working together to build a food system that supports health, prosperity and environmental wellbeing.

Farming in Cumberland

  • Livestock & Dairy - most of Cumberland’s land is best suited to grazing, making meat and dairy central to our local food economy. The region is home to 2 million sheep, 56,000 beef cattle and 108,000 dairy cattle, producing around 900 million litres of milk each year.
  • Diversification & Regenerative Practices - more farmers are diversifying, reintroducing horticulture and adopting regenerative approaches to improve soil health and climate resilience.
  • Employment & Rural Culture - Farming supports over 12,000 jobs in Cumberland, including 6,000 directly, with many more roles sustained through supply chains, rural services and food businesses.

Supporting the Local Food Economy

  • Championing Local Producers - we help ethical producers and food businesses connect with consumers, retailers and institutions.
  • Expanding Local Markets - our partnership supports Taste Cumbria events and other markets, improving access to locally produced food.
  • Sustainable Procurement - working with Cumberland Council, we encourage public procurement that prioritises local, sustainable suppliers, reducing food miles and strengthening community wealth.

Education & Awareness

  • Food Education in Schools - we promote food and farming education to help children and communities understand where food comes from and how it’s produced.
  • Farm Visits & Resources - initiatives include farm visits, curriculum‑linked learning materials and support for green social prescribing, connecting people to nature through food.

Promoting Agritourism in Cumberland

Cumberland’s landscapes are productive, cultural and deeply valued. With 20 million visitors making 40 million visits annually, the region’s scenery and rural heritage are central to its identity.

The Food Cumberland Partnership is working with Cumbria Tourism and Cumberland Council to develop a county‑wide agritourism strategy that celebrates local farming and connects visitors with the people behind their food.

Following a successful Agritourism Workshop at Cumberland Council’s Civic Centre in Carlisle in spring 2025, momentum is growing to position Cumberland as a leading destination for farm‑based experiences, local food storytelling and rural hospitality.

Our Agritourism Goals

  • Farm Diversification - Supporting farms to diversify through tourism, education and experiences.
  • Local Produce in Hospitality - Championing local provenance across cafés, restaurants and accommodation.
  • Food Trails & Farm Stays - Creating food trails, farm stays and hands‑on visitor experiences.
  • Strategic Alignment - Aligning with the Cumbria Destination Management Plan and Food & Drink Strategy.
  • Cross‑Sector Collaboration - Encouraging collaboration between agriculture, tourism, hospitality and digital marketing.

This work helps protect and celebrate Cumberland’s agri‑food sector, ensuring it remains vibrant, resilient and central to the region’s identity.

Nourish Cumbria: Mapping Our Food Future

Food Cumberland proudly supports Nourish Cumbria, a collaborative initiative funded by Cumberland Council and led by H&H Group. The project aims to strengthen Cumbria’s agricultural sector and build a more transparent, resilient food system.

Nourish Cumbria is developing an interactive digital map that highlights what’s grown and raised in the county, who produces it, and where it goes. The map will help:

  • Promote Local Producers
  • Connect Farmers with Buyers
  • Educate the Public
  • Identify Opportunities & Risks

To learn more or take part, visit: Nourish Cumbria

Are You a Producer in Cumbria?

If you’re a farmer, grower or beekeeper, you can join the Nourish Cumbria initiative by completing the producer survey on their website. Your information helps shape the county‑wide food map and gives your business visibility across the region and beyond.

Whether you sell direct, supply local shops or offer farm‑based experiences, Nourish Cumbria provides a platform to be seen, supported and celebrated.