(i) Food could be imported into Britain at much cheaper rate than it would be produced within the country. (ii) British agriculture was unable to compete with imports. Vast areas of land were left uncultivated and people started migrating to cities or other countries. (iii) As food prices fell, consumption in Britain rose. Faster industrial growth in Britain also led to higher incomes and therefore more food imports. (iv) Around the world—in Eastern Europe, Russia, America and Australia—lands were cleared and food production expanded to meet the British demand.