Batters backs MPs' call for clarity on Government farm policy

The president of the National Farmers' Union, Minette Batters, has backed a report by MPs by adding to their calls for urgent clarity from Government on what British agriculture's post-Brexit future will look like.
NFU president Minette Batters welcomed the call for a farm productivity plan to be published by May 2019.NFU president Minette Batters welcomed the call for a farm productivity plan to be published by May 2019.
NFU president Minette Batters welcomed the call for a farm productivity plan to be published by May 2019.

Responding to today’s report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee, Ms Batters said: “The findings from the Efra Select Committee will be welcome news for farmers and growers, who have long been calling on the Government to provide clarity on future funding and how British farming’s high standards will be protected post-Brexit.

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“British farming operates to some of the highest standards in the world. The report’s recommendation that the Government does not enter into trade agreements that allow food imports that do not meet our environmental, welfare and food safety standards is particularly welcome. It is vital that British farming’s produce and contribution to the nation is not undermined.”

The union’s figurehead continued: “The NFU is pleased to see the Committee request that government produce a farm productivity plan by May 2019 and believe this could be a vital tool in ensuring that farm businesses are able to perform at their best and continue producing high-quality, safe, traceable food for the nation.

“A ring-fenced agricultural fund, along with new support mechanisms would also provide a positive step towards this. Sectoral assessments of the withdrawal of direct payments, as recommended by the report, would help the targeting of this additional support.

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“As the Committee points out, the forthcoming Agriculture Bill will provide a crucial vehicle for implementing these and many other aspects of future agricultural policy. We agree that it is vital that the Committee carries out pre-legislative scrutiny before the formal introduction of the Bill.

“Farming is a long-term business and farm businesses need urgent clarity on what their future trading situation, labour supply and funding will look like. The NFU continues to press Government on confirming how long a transition period will apply for agriculture to ensure farmers are able to plan properly.”

The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has commented on the Efra committee’s report.

A spokesperson said: “Leaving the EU gives us a historic opportunity to design a fresh approach to farming that works in the national interest. We have set out ambitious proposals to raise productivity and move away from land based subsidies so we can reward farmers for the public goods they provide.

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“We have committed to match the £3bn in farm support until the end of this Parliament in 2022, followed by a longer agricultural transition period to give farmers time to adapt. We had more than 44,000 responses to our consultation which we are analysing before bringing forward an Agriculture Bill later this year.

“We welcome the support shown by the Efra Committee for this consultation and will respond to their report in due course.”

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