The UK farming and food industry has received a significant boost, with the government announcing major backing.
Announced by the Prime Minister at the Farm to Fork Summit, the package of measures will support workers in the UK farming sector to boost domestic food security, technological innovation, increase economic growth, and cultivate the next generation of farming and food leaders.
A new Blueprint for Growing the UK Fruit and Vegetable Sector was also revealed, outlining how industry and the government will collaborate to increase food production and drive investment in the sector, which provides more than £4bn to the country’s economy.
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Food security is vital to our national security, which is why today’s summit is so important, bringing together government and key representatives from the farming and food sector at Downing Street.
“Today’s announcements will turbocharge the growth of our horticultural sector, supporting the building of cutting-edge glasshouses and innovative farming techniques to put British fruit and vegetables on our plates all year round.
“We will continue to invest in and support farmers to produce the best of British food to strengthen our food security, championing innovation in the sector.”
Growing the UK farming and food sector
The government says its new plan will ensure the industry has access to affordable, sustainable energy and water and will cut ‘red tape’ around planning to make it quicker and easier to build glasshouses.
It also includes substantial investment to boost innovation, with Defra aiming to double the amount of funding given to horticulture businesses by up to £80m compared to the EU legacy Fruit and Vegetable Aid Scheme.
Extended Farming Recovery Fund
The government will extend the Farming Recovery Fund to aid farmers impacted by flooding.
Temporary adjustments will be made for farmers and land managers struggling to meet the Environmental Land Management Schemes due to wet weather conditions.
Funding for internal drainage boards
An additional £75m will be allocated to internal drainage boards (IDBs) to expedite recovery from the winter 2023-24 storms.
This funding will also provide opportunities to modernise and upgrade assets, enhancing resilience for farms and rural communities.
Ensuring fairness in the food supply chain
To promote fairness across the food supply chain, the government will implement regulations to improve equity in the fresh produce and egg sectors.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer added: “This government will always back British farmers. Food production is the primary purpose of farming, and our farmers and food producers work hard to keep the nation fed despite challenges, including flooding.
“Supporting our farmers and food producers is at the heart of our plans, and we are committed to working with them.
“We are pressing on with our plan by investing in food security and resilient farming businesses, providing business advice, and cutting unnecessary red tape.
It is an exciting time, and we are investing in innovation, ensuring the sector has the labour it needs, further embedding fairness in the supply chain, and making sure the sector is attracting the best and brightest.”
