The claim is broadly supported. Defra says agricultural income is volatile from year to year and that farmers have little control over prices, so some years bring profits and others losses; its 2012 statistics also show a meaningful share of farms with negative income. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk) The fishing sector is similarly described by the Marine Management Organisation as highly unpredictable and risk-laden, with unstable market access and catch value, and fishers report unpredictability of income and uncertainty about the industry’s future viability. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk) For small shopkeepers, the 2011 Portas Review said many shops faced very tough trading conditions and that not all shops trading then would still be trading later; BIS’s high-street report likewise warned that small independent retailers faced greater difficulties from business-rate burdens and recession effects. (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk) Sources: Defra, Farming Evidence Pack; Defra, Agriculture in the United Kingdom 2012; Marine Management Organisation, MMO1416 Livelihood; Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, The Portas Review; Department for Business, Innovation & Skills, Understanding High Street Performance.