Birmingham, by virtue of being located in the Midlands, has a historic connection to agriculture and it’s a city with a well-developed livestock and poultry industry. The Midlands as a region has seen remarkable growth in the livestock sector, which contributes significantly to the country’s agricultural industry. The latest data unveils a story of increasing success and innovation. Birmingham’s total income from farming (TIFF) in 2022 reached an impressive £644 million, which showcases a substantial 73% increase since 2018. This economic upturn cements the region as a reliable player in the country’s rural economy. In 2022, the agricultural output value soared to £3.3 billion, with milk (£605 million), poultry meat (£488 million), and wheat (£363 million) emerging as the largest contributors. These commodities collectively accounted for 45% of the region's total output, reflecting the diversified nature of Birmingham’s agricultural pursuits. Despite having the smallest average farm size among English regions (66 hectares), Birmingham’s agriculture thrives with predominant farm types including cereal, grazing livestock and general cropping. Average Farm Business Income across all farm types witnessed an impressive 75% increase between 2020/21 and 2021/22, reaching £73,400 per farm. Livestock is the bread and butter across the Midlands with regions like Lincolnshire, Staffordshire, Leicestershire, Shropshire, Herefordshire and Derbyshire predominantly relying animal rearing and meat production as the foundation of their agricultural economy. The Midlands has earned the distinction of being the highest farmed area and crop/livestock output among all English regions. Birmingham is also linked to agriculture through the GLEE international fair, which is the premier regional source for gardening and outdoor living trends. The annual event gives local producers, gardeners and horticulturists to meet together and build community. It’s also an opportunity to sell locally manufactured products and locally grown plants. GLEE has been a mainstay in the city’s calendar for decades!