Adam Henson (Image: BBC)
Renowned for his role on Countryfile, Adam Henson has opened up about a distressing pattern emerging in the agricultural industry that has left him deeply unsettled. Recent statistics have highlighted issues that are forcing industry professionals to take a closer look at their safety practices.
In addition to his duties as a BBC Countryfile presenter, Henson runs Cotswold Farm Park. He has found the latest figures concerning enough to prompt a reevaluation of the risks involved for those dedicated to farming.
Adam shared his thoughts in BBC Countryfile Magazine, stating: “The barrage of negative news can be overwhelming, often making it hard to truly grasp the impact of individual stories. However, there are times when a report causes you to pause and reflect. That moment came when I saw the recent workplace death statistics.”
The statistics showed that 33 people lost their lives in the agricultural sector during the 2025/26 financial year. This was a stark increase from the 23 fatalities recorded the previous year and the 27 reported in 2023/24.
Adam highlighted that, despite agriculture employing approximately 1% of the British workforce, it represents roughly 20% of workplace deaths, according to Gloucestershire Live.
Adam Henson (Image: BBC)
The statistics led him to consider his own farming operation, where he has staff and contractors on the payroll, and the precautions in place to ensure people’s safety.
He explained that evaluating risks and delivering training were already standard practice on the farm, though noted there was merit in taking stock to consider whether improvements could be made.
Adam recognised there was no simple answer for the death toll, emphasising that each fatality was a tragedy and that individual circumstances varied. Nevertheless, he drew attention to some of the specific difficulties associated with agricultural work, including long working hours, physical demands and the potentially solitary nature of working on a farm.
“If there are no colleagues around and no chance of a second opinion (or a crucial second pair of eyes), it’s easy to imagine how something potentially dangerous could go unnoticed,” he wrote.
He also referred to the vast array of tasks undertaken by agricultural workers, ranging from handling livestock and shearing sheep to working with chemicals and operating heavy machinery.
Adam Henson (Image: Mikal Ludlow Photography)
Adam said he was mindful that a farm should be regarded as a workplace in the same way as a factory or workshop, despite its rural setting.
He recalled the notorious 1970s public information film Apaches, which warned children about the dangers of playing on farms, describing it as “terrifying to watch”.
Research conducted by the Farm Safety Foundation revealed that 88% of British farmers surveyed believed complacency, including overconfidence or a false sense of security, was a significant contributing factor in farm accidents.
Steps are being taken to address the issue, including the Foundation’s Yellow Wellies campaign, which offers safety guidance and training. The charity RABI has also introduced FarmersAid, a free app designed to support individuals who find themselves alone following a serious accident while awaiting the emergency services.
Adam’s remarks follow his recent discussion of another significant concern for agriculture during a question-and-answer session with fellow farmer Olly Harrison at Cotswold Farm Park.
The pair were questioned about their expectations from the Government, with Harrison contending that farming required greater recognition.
Adam then voiced apprehensions about food fraud, revealing he had been informed by someone at the Food Standards Agency that its value in the UK stood at £9 billion.
He said: “I was with someone from the Food Standards Agency and food fraud in the UK has a value of nine billion pounds. So stuff that is on a glass or a packet or says it’s something that it’s actually not.”
He added: “Huge amount of food coming into the country that is, you know, meats that is unlabelled or out of date or not fit for human consumption. Honey, olive oil and dairy products are the three biggest fraudulent foods.”
Regarding the farm safety statistics, Adam concluded with a straightforward aspiration: “Like everyone, I’m hoping and praying for zero avoidable deaths on our farms in the future.”