NFU responds to Defra's agricultural transition roadmap

Minette Batters web_65241

The government has unveiled its roadmap which outlines the changes that will come into force over a period of seven years in order to help farmers adapt and plan for the future.

The Path to Sustainable Farming sets out in more detail the changes the government are going to make, and what they will mean in practice for farmers.

Responding to the publication of Defra’s agricultural transition roadmap, NFU President Minette Batters said: “Defra has embraced many of the industry’s ideas for sustainable farming and food production in designing this new agricultural policy for England.

“Farming is changing and we look forward to working with Ministers and officials to co-create the schemes that will help farmers to improve productivity and animal welfare, encourage innovation and realise our ambition to produce increasingly climate-friendly food.

NFU members: Register now for these exclusive NFU Live virtual events which will examine Defra's plan in further detail:

TUES 1 DEC, 11.30am: Join NFU President Minette Batters at our exclusive NFU Live virtual event. Minette will dissect the announcement and reiterate the NFU’s priorities for British agriculture post 1 January. NFU members will be able to watch again soon.

WED 2 DEC, 11am: Put your questions about future support for farmers live to Defra. The event will feature Programme Director for Defra's Future Farming and Countryside Janet Hughes, alongside NFU Director of Policy Andrew Clark. Register here.

View all of our virtual events here.

“However, the rate at which direct support reductions will take place, which we understand will not be applied in other parts of the UK, leaves English farmers with significant questions. These payments have been a lifeline for many farmers especially when prices or growing conditions have been volatile and will be very difficult to replace in the first four years of this transition. Can Ministers be sure that new schemes will be available at scale to deliver redirected BPS payments?

“Take livestock farmers for example, who we project will have lost between 60% and 80% of their income by 2024 as a result of these reductions. What changes will Defra make to ensure that the new Environmental Land Management schemes offer rewards that provide a genuine income for their businesses while maintaining food production?

“These are the questions Defra needs to answer urgently, for every farming sector and every part of the country.

More on the future of farming support:

BPS 2020: What to look out for at payment time

BPS 2020: Entitlement values and greening rates Q&A

AHDB's Business Impact Calculator

Rural Payments online - all users required to check and confirm contact details

Reminder - check your leased BPS entitlements

Watch again: Farming schemes - 10 things you need to know now

Future environmental support: Your questions answered

“Expecting farmers to run viable, high-cost farm businesses, continue to produce food and increase their environmental delivery, while phasing out existing support and without a complete replacement scheme for almost three years is high risk and a very big ask.

“There are also many uncertainties during this policy transition, not least new trading arrangements after we leave the transition period, as well as the national recovery from COVID-19, and the global challenge of climate change. Moreover, the long-running price war in UK retail often sees farming and growing caught in the crossfire.

“So Ministers must bear these challenges in mind and use the transition period to address abuses of market power which not only damage farm businesses but also consumer choice and availability. They must also be mindful of the impact sudden drops in income could have, including seriously jeopardising the viability of a farm business and causing knock-on impacts for domestic food production.

“As with any big policy change it is critically important to be clear on its economic impact. We would urge Defra to share this assessment as soon as possible, indeed this has been one of our key asks for the last four years.”

Defra Secretary of State George Eustice launched the plan at the virtual Oxford Farming Conference today (30 November) watch this along with highlights from the event here.

Further analysis of the Plan along with what members need to know will be published on NFUonline and on the NFU App in the coming days.

NFU in the media

NFU President Minette Batters has appeared in the media today (and will continue to do so this evening) on her reaction to the Plan. A full round-up of media coverage will be available shortly, in the meantime follow @NFUTweets for the latest coverage and clips.