The NFU says building business resilience to help farmers cope with extreme weather, rising costs, policy uncertainty and continued pressure on profitability has become one of the defining challenges facing agriculture and horticulture.
NFU-hosted panel
A panel discussion hosted by the NFU highlighted the importance of a need for a planning system that enables investment in vital farm infrastructure, from poultry sheds and manure storage to reservoirs, giving farmers the confidence to invest and grow.
The panel also examined the growing role of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and other innovative technologies in improving productivity, supporting sustainable farming practices and helping businesses adapt to future challenges.
With Yorkshire farming contributing more than £3.8 billion to the regional economy and supporting more than 30,000 jobs, the NFU is warning that maintaining a strong and resilient farming sector is critical not only for food production, but for the wider rural economy and countryside.
“Profitability is not a dirty word. It is the foundation of sustainable farming, economic growth and long-term food security.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Resilient food system essential
Speaking at the event, NFU President Tom Bradshaw emphasised that a resilient food system is essential to tackling food inflation, strengthening national security and driving economic growth.
The call comes as the NFU’s latest farmer confidence survey shows it remains at historically low levels, with 64% of farmers and growers reporting declining profits or having concerns about the future viability of their businesses.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “Investment in food production is critical to the nation’s future.
“Everyone, whether they live in rural Yorkshire or in one of our towns and cities, depends on a resilient food system.
“The resilience of our farms will determine our ability to produce food, manage inflation, protect national security and support economic growth. But resilience starts with profitable businesses that have the confidence to invest for the future.
“Profitability is not a dirty word. It is the foundation of sustainable farming, economic growth and long-term food security.”
Adoption of new technology key
A key part of that future, the NFU says, will be the adoption of new technology and AI-driven innovation.
From monitoring crop health and precision application of fertiliser to helping farmers respond to changing weather conditions, supporting our already high standards of animal welfare through genetics and breeding developments, and even predicting disease outbreaks, AI is increasingly being used by farmers and growers to make smarter decisions and improve productivity.
At the Great Yorkshire Show, industry representatives discussed how emerging technologies can help farmers produce more food with fewer resources while reducing environmental impact and addressing sector challenges and instability.
Tom added: “Yorkshire farmers have always been innovative, and there is huge potential to harness AI and advanced technologies to strengthen food production, improve sustainability and build businesses that can better withstand future shocks.
“But innovation requires investment, and investment requires confidence which can only come through clear, long-term, joined-up government policy making.”
Strategy and support needed
The NFU is calling for a comprehensive food strategy backed by funding, which sets clear ambitions for food production as well as continued investment in agricultural innovation and greater certainty around environmental schemes like the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive).
Farmers are also seeking clearer planning rules, support for investment in energy, water infrastructure and rural connectivity to help businesses adapt to future challenges.
Steve McLean, Chief Executive of The Agri-Tech Centre, said: “Yorkshire is home to world-class farming businesses which are already embracing new technologies to improve productivity and sustainability.
“Artificial intelligence, robotics, precision farming and data-led decision making all have an important role to play in helping farmers manage risk, improve efficiency and build resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
“With the right support, Yorkshire can continue to lead the way in agricultural innovation while producing high-quality food and supporting rural economic growth.”
While NFU West Riding County Chair Richard Pears said county farmers were incredibly resilient, the pressures facing the industry continue to grow.
Richard said: “Whether it is unpredictable weather, rising energy costs or policy uncertainty, farm businesses need confidence to invest in the future.
“Supporting innovation and AI adoption, alongside clear government backing for food production, will help ensure Yorkshire farmers can continue producing high quality food, supporting the environment and driving growth in our rural communities.”
The NFU believes that with the right combination of innovation, technology and government support, Yorkshire’s farming sector can become more resilient, more productive and better equipped to meet the challenges ahead.
As discussions continue at the Great Yorkshire Show, the message from Yorkshire’s farming community is clear: investing in resilient farms today will strengthen food security, support economic growth and help secure a prosperous future for the county’s rural businesses and communities.
