NFU North calls for actions to back up words in 2026 Budget
Ahead of the Budget next week, the NFU in the north is urging the Chancellor to use the Budget to reduce the cost of producing food, restore farm business confidence and strengthen Britain’s food security.
At recent meetings with MPs, councillors and stakeholders, NFU North has highlighted the contribution that farming makes to the economy of the region and outlined what support is needed to see the Government back up its 2024 election manifesto statement that “food security is national security.”
NFU North Regional Policy Manager Adam Briggs highlighted the challenges currently facing the industry in the aftermath of an incredibly challenging summer, stressing it is vital that the government looks to support the region's farmers facing a crisis in cash flow, due to factors including escalating input costs, serious drought and the SFI debacle.
"The Budget is a great opportunity for the Government to show it can step up and support the farmers when they need it most."
NFU North Regional Policy Manager Adam Briggs
Adam said: “With farmers still dealing with the consequences of the hottest driest summer on record, many were left reeling as they were unable to submit an SFI application within the six hours when the window was open. This has left many members facing a cash flow crisis which has implications not only for business viability for UK food security.
“The Budget is a great opportunity for the Government to show it can step up and support the farmers when they need it most. One of our key asks is for a government-backed, interest-free loan, which would give farm businesses the working capital to invest in next year’s food production.
“Beyond that we would like to see incentives to invest through extra capital allowances as well as an end to the taxation of agricultural assets on inheritance. Linked to the Budget, we still need an agricultural budget large enough to match both the Government's and farmers' ambitions to deliver for nature and food production.”
The next Budget is due to take place on 28 October and the NFU made a submission last month asking for action in a number of areas including inheritance tax, the provision of interest-free ‘Keep Britain Growing’ loans, an increase of the AIA (Annual Investment Allowance) to at least £5m and action on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism which could see extra costs added to the price of fertiliser.
