Farming Roadmap published
Defra’s long-awaited Farming Roadmap has finally been published, setting out positive ambitions for farming over the next 25 years.
The NFU is clear that there must be a real sense of urgency in delivery, fuelled by treasury investment and government focus on food security. However, while the roadmap is full of ambition, it falls short on action and even shorter on the means of delivery.
The Farming Roadmap has been published alongside the government’s response to the Farm Profitability Review. Baroness Batters outlined the need for closer collaboration between farming and government, and for greater clarity and certainty for farm businesses looking to grow and invest.
It’s good to see that the government has picked up many of the recommendations, which were also reflected in the NFU’s submission, and we continue to work with government to deliver these.
Water availability
The NFU has been working with a number of stakeholders to help members on water issues.
This includes the setting up of a Worcestershire WAG. A Water Abstraction Group (WAG) is a farmer‑led collaboration designed to strengthen the long‑term resilience and management of agricultural water resources.
WAGs enable growers to work together on shared water challenges and keep decisions rooted in the agricultural community.
With increasing concern about potential reductions to abstraction licences, Water Resources West has begun supporting the development of a new network of WAGs in key agricultural areas including Shropshire, Herefordshire, Nottinghamshire and Staffordshire.
Early indications suggest that Worcestershire may also face significant future constraints on water availability, creating a timely opportunity to formalise a WAG within the county.
A WAG gives farmers a stronger collective voice in water planning and unlocks access to funding and innovation. It also enables better data and planning, supports members during regulatory change, and strengthens collaboration across the farming community.
Establishing a Worcestershire WAG will provide the county’s farming community with a strong, strategic platform to navigate future water challenges, protect agricultural productivity and ensure Worcestershire remains resilient in the face of increasing pressures on water availability.
Please get in touch if you would like to hear more.
Hereford & Worcester Fire Service
The agri-adaptors that the NFU worked hard to secure should be operational within the next fortnight.
These adaptors will allow fire engine hoses to connect with water supplies on farm, and one will be available on every fire engine throughout the county.
We are also trying to secure a deal for farmers to be able to purchase the adapters at a reduced price.
Farmer Collaboration Fund
We are also working with Worcester Growth Hub on a bid for funding. This could be channelled into our WAG, if we’re successful – watch this space.
Three Counties Show
It was great to see so many members at the Three Counties – thanks to all who came to the NFU stand. And thanks to all the group secretaries who provided half price tickets for NFU members – certainly a good deal we negotiated on behalf of members.
We had both NFU President Tom Bradshaw and Vice-president Robyn Munt on our stand. It was fantastic to see so many members and celebrate together the best of British farming!
We hope you enjoyed chatting with your group secretaries, the taste of Gloucestershire receptions and sessions on stand over the weekend. It is Worcestershire’s turn to host next year and I have big plans!
Badger vaccination in north Worcestershire
Badger vaccination is expected to form a more prominent part of government policy in coming years.
While vaccination does not cure already infected badgers, it is intended to help reduce the spread of disease within badger populations, with potential longer-term benefits for cattle herds.
North Worcestershire has been selected as a key rollout area for government-funded badger vaccination trials to combat bTB (bovine tuberculosis).
The NFU has always advocated for a comprehensive package of measures to tackle bTB – measures which are scientifically proven to tackle this endemic disease effectively.
Landowners and local farmers are actively being signed up to allow for the trapping and vaccination of badgers on their land.
Veterinary practice MacArthur, Barstow & Gibbs Ltd is co-ordinating this project, so please do get in touch with them to register your interest on 01527 861771 or you can visit the BVFF site.
Arable farmers and non-cattle farmers are encouraged to get involved to meet the required area.
NFU at shows
NFU Bromsgrove welcomed lots of members onto their stand at the Hanbury Show. It was great to see so many members, so thanks to all who came to say hello.
The NFU will be at the Tenbury and Burwarton Shows in August, so do come and make use of the marquee to enjoy some refreshments.
The NFU’s livestock experts will be at NSA Sheep on 28 July, where you can talk to them about bluetongue, livestock traceability and much more.
We’re also planning another post-harvest get together at the Camp Inn at Grimly in August. so watch this space for details.
Wishing everyone a safe harvest, Emma.
County comms
Please join the NFU Worcestershire Facebook page or WhatsApp group where I post updates on what’s happening in policy and in the county. Just email me if you would like the joining link. [email protected]
I look forward to seeing you across the county soon.