Valentine’s Day is often associated with flowers, chocolate and romantic meals with your loved one. But behind every rose bouquet or candlelit dinner, is a farming story. February isn’t just about hearts and cards – it’s also the start of lambing season on many British farms. Our team at Eat Farm Now, looks at how farming connects to the traditions we celebrate on Valentine’s Day.
More than just a bouquet
Flowers are one of the most popular Valentine’s gifts, with millions of roses sold in the UK each February. While many are imported from warmer climates, British flower growers are on the rise, offering sustainable alternatives grown closer to home.
For example, The Real Flower Company based in Hampshire, grows scented garden roses and seasonal flowers on British soil, reducing air miles and supporting local biodiversity. They also have a sister farm in Kenya, which grows flowers that are out of season in the UK.
Who said roses need to be gifted on Valentine’s Day? By choosing any variety of British-grown flowers, we not only get fresher blooms but also support a greener, more sustainable Valentine’s tradition.
Sparkling British vineyards
Valentine’s dinners often feature a glass of wine, and while France or Italy might spring to mind, UK vineyards are producing award-winning bottles too. The British wine industry has doubled in the last decade, with sparkling wines in particular gaining international recognition.
Gusbourne Estate in Kent and Rathfinny Wine Estate in Sussex both produce sparkling wines perfect for toasting love and celebration. By enjoying British wine, it keeps the romance close to home and pairs beautifully with local food!
Chocolate: From farm to fancy box
Chocolate is perhaps the most iconic Valentine’s gift, and it starts with cocoa farmers around the world. In the UK, artisan chocolatiers are working hard to connect customers with ethically sourced cocoa and creative flavours.
For example, Pump Street Chocolate in Suffolk uses single-origin cocoa and even works with British wheat farmers to create unique sourdough & sea salt bars. It’s a reminder that even global products like chocolate have strong ties to farming, and our choices can support fairer, more sustainable supply chains.
Lambing season
For farmers across the UK, February is also the beginning of lambing season, which is one of the busiest and most important times of the year. Lambs are a traditional symbol of new life and renewal, making them a fitting backdrop to Valentine’s Day.
Farmers often describe lambing as exhausting but deeply rewarding. It’s a reminder of the care and commitment that goes into producing food, the same food that often finds its way onto Valentine’s menus, from slow-roasted lamb shoulder to shepherd’s pie.
The Dalveen Flock in Cumbria is a family-run farm producing high-quality lamb for local markets, with lambing season marking the start of the farming year.
Farming at the heart of Valentine’s
So whether it’s a rose on your table, a glass of fizz in your hand, a box of chocolates or the roast dinner you share with loved ones, farming is always part of the story. Because behind every Valentine’s tradition is the work of farmers, growers and producers, caring for the land, their animals and the food we all love!
