Treasury must deliver for UK food and farming in statement

In the letter, NFU President Minette Batters highlighted the opportunity for the Treasury to enable the production of more quality British produce for markets at home and abroad, while also reducing food inflation and stimulating green economic growth.

Matched with the NFU’s asks for Defra to set targets for homegrown food production alongside its environmental targets, the Treasury’s adoption of the fiscal policies outlined below would provide a much-needed boost to the UK’s food security.

The Autumn Statement comes as British farmers and growers continue to feel mounting pressure from soaring energy, fertiliser, and other input costs while changing government support schemes are causing a significant amount of financial uncertainty for many.

Mrs Batters said: "If we are to ensure a secure supply of sustainable, homegrown food now and in the future, what British farming needs more than anything is investment.

“With farm input costs through the roof, interest rates rising and at least a 50% reduction in the current direct payments in 2023, farmers are facing incredibly challenging economic circumstances.

“As the UK’s largest manufacturing sector2, it’s imperative British food and farming has sufficient funding for the capital investments that are needed – whether that’s investing in the environment, energy efficiency, or productivity. Farmers and growers want to do more for sustainable food production and the environment, but we can’t do either without profitable businesses.

“At this year’s Autumn Statement, the Chancellor could really inject some much-needed stability and confidence into the UK’s food and farming sector. As well as delivering short-term certainty, the NFU’s asks will also help build the foundation for a long-term farming framework, incorporating both public and private finance, to deliver the country’s environmental and food security needs.”