The profile of the horticulture sector continues to increase within government circles and it is really pleasing to see it feature so prominently within the farm profitability review and from Defra's initial response.
Much of what we have been highlighting over the past few years, and captured within our own growth strategy, has been recognised and amplified within the profitability review.
The review calls for a new funding scheme to replace the outgoing Fruit and Veg Aid scheme, for Seasonal Worker Scheme visas to be lengthened, embedding the ‘7 golden rules’ within the GSCOP (Groceries Supply Code of Practice), better price reporting data, a more enabling planning system, and more.
“If this government is true to its word, we now have an opportunity to help shape a new policy landscape for our sector.”
NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Board Chair Martin Emmett
Tailored growth plans
Importantly, Defra has immediately committed to the creation of a new Farming and Food Partnership Board with the creation of tailored growth plans for horticulture and poultry as a priority.
The last government committed to writing a growth plan for horticulture but quickly backed away from it. If this government is true to its word, we now have an opportunity to help shape a new policy landscape for our sector.
Representation
Horticulture is a diverse sector needing detailed consideration, without which it has historically fallen out of scope for things like energy price support, or had limited opportunities accessing SFI.
Many parts of the farm profitability review also seem more relevant to farmers than growers and it’s important that policymakers understand the difference. It is why a promise of ‘tailored’ plans for horticulture and poultry is so important.
Even more so, it is important that horticulture is represented in any new Board or Body which is created on the back of this review. I would, of course, expect the Farming and Food Partnership Board to consult widely with our sector when considering what should be contained in a horticulture growth plan, but representation on the Board itself would seem to me as something that is critical.
Speed of action
We will take time to digest the report in detail but are ready to engage at the earliest opportunity and have well-established positions on all of the key policies which a future horticulture plan should contain. I was pleased that Defra was so quick to make some commitments immediately after the farm profitability review was published, and I hope this speed of action is a sign of things to come.
