Wantisden Hall Farms Farm Manager Tim Pratt says that more collaboration and greater government support can help unlock the potential of a sector that already employs more than 7,200 people in Suffolk and underpins an agrifood chain worth £1.5 billion.
“Farming is in quite a difficult position, going through a tricky time, but I am optimistic. I love farming and I believe it will right itself and opportunities will arise,” he said.
“I’m a firm believer in collaboration and believe working together brings many benefits.
“We need more direction and certainty from the government as well. We’re hoping and guessing and that indecision isn’t helping business.”
Tim recently celebrated 20 years at Wantisden Hall Farms. When he started the home farm covered about 1,700 acres and employed four people. Now the business covers almost 4,000 acres with a 15-strong workforce.
Securing water for food
Crops grown include potatoes, parsnips, carrots and onions. The business is a member of farming cooperatives Suffolk Produce Ltd and 3Ms and is a shareholder in an anaerobic digestion plant. It also has a small flock of Dorset sheep.
A key challenge is ensuring there is a secure supply of water to irrigate crops. The business has planning permission for an additional reservoir, but that is on hold due to current uncertainties. This includes how the Environment Agency will handle its new water permit scheme.
“The water situation does make me very nervous. It is crucial to all the vegetable growing businesses along the coast. We talk about grant funding and planning but ultimately it all comes back to water,” said Tim.
“We had enough water for irrigation in 2025 but we pumped more than ever before. We need certainty as to what’s happening with water availability. If I’m going to invest money in a new onion store, for example, I need to know I will have water to grow those onions for the next 10 years.
“At the moment we’re just hoping and guessing, and the government isn’t helping business”
Promoting health and safety
He also wants to see clarity over the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, which pays farmers in England for environmentally friendly land management but is on hold to new applicants.
Other priorities as county chair include promoting farm health and safety, encouraging the younger generation of farmers and helping children find out more about food and farming. His wife Charlotte teaches at Snape School and Tim hosts pupils from there on school visits throughout the year.
Tim takes over from Glenn Buckingham at the NFU’s annual general meeting on 25 February.
“I’m excited about taking over, getting out of my comfort zone and meeting lots of new people. Glenn has done a really good job and I’m looking forward to building on that,” he said.
“The NFU is a big beast and there are lots of issues to get to grips with, but it has a good team in Suffolk with lots of enthusiastic people to work alongside.”