The Shadow Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins, spoke about the need for a stronger countryside highlighting that “the rural economy has some half a million businesses and employs 3.8 million people. So, we need our rural and coastal economies to really flourish and thrive.”
Ms Atkins announced plans to host a summit with farmers and food producers to hear first-hand what policies they need to grow their businesses.
“We need a clear plan for farming. We can’t work on six-month changes.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
NFU Deputy President David Exwood spoke about a “crisis of confidence” in the sector due to economic and political uncertainty. Attendees were told that “while farmers are still planting crops, many no longer expect to make a profit” – a stark warning about the pressures facing the agriculture industry.
Family farm tax
As with all of the party conferences, the family farm tax was a key point of discussion.
The NFU has previously secured commitments from the major opposition parties that, if they were to win the next general election and form the party of government, then they would reverse the changes to APR and BPR (agricultural property relief and business property relief).
David Exwood highlighted CenTax's (Centre for the Analysis of Taxation) proposal – a solution that would provide fairness, protect family ownership, and support investment in the sector.
The Shadow Defra Secretary reiterated the Conservative Party’s commitment to calling on the government to look again at an alternative solution.
Long-term reform
The NFU Deputy President told MPs: “We need a clear plan for farming. We can’t work on six-month changes. We need a clear plan for years.”
Beyond the family farm tax, David highlighted the urgent need for planning reform to allow farmers to modernise and invest in essential infrastructure – from slurry stores and reservoirs to low-carbon, high-welfare housing. If we are to maintain high standards, then investment in productivity, animal welfare, and sustainability is essential, he reiterated.
In addition, concerns surrounding the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship were raised, with thousands of farmers facing expiring agreements at the end of the year, with no clear replacement plan in sight.
“The Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier schemes that expire in December – there’s 5,000 of them – but they’re just the tip of the iceberg,” David added.
Working cross-party
Finally, David highlighted the importance of an effective opposition and reiterated that the NFU will work with “anyone who shares our goal” to “bring aspiration back to British farming”.
The message was clear – farming remains a job of hope and promise, but the industry must have the policies and confidence needed to unlock that potential. Policies must prioritise certainty, investment, and fairness to ensure British agriculture can remain productive, sustainable, and competitive.
See the reception in pictures:
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Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins and David Exwood
Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins
Photographs: Elliott Franks