2024: the NFU manifesto stresses that food is a priority for voters going into the next election

Seven different environment secretaries have overseen policy since the UK voted to leave the EU in 2016 and the president of the National Farmers Union, Minette Batters (below left), points out that the system is still area based so that large landowners continue to benefit disproportionately.

“The focus at the moment is on growing a crop for the environment and not producing food . . . I think that’s going to be really hard with the cost of living crisis,” said Ms Batters, adding that consumers cared more than ever about food security (Financial Times).

The NFU has called on all parties ahead of the next general election to commit to domestic production targets

That would offer security to farmers who are struggling with high production costs and “the biggest shake up in agricultural policy since 1947”. “Farmers will vote for whoever has a credible plan for food production,” said the NFU president. 

NFU public opinion research shows that:

• 84% think food production targets are either as important or more important than environmental targets for farming.
• 82% say it would be a good idea for the government to set targets to increase British food production.
• 66% think that the parties’ plans on farming will be one of the issues that affects who they vote for at the next general election.
• 66% think that a commitment to a long-term plan for food and farming will be an important factor in who they vote for at the next election.

The group said the government should set and report on food production targets in the same way it sets environmental targets.

The NFU manifesto for the 2024 General Election stresses that food is a priority for voters going into the next election. Farmers and growers need action from the next government, not just warm words. Investing in domestic food production means we can increase our productivity, create more jobs and deliver much more for the economy and for the environment. In other words, working with us will enable us to continue farming for Britain’s future.

Stabilising farming incomes allows farm businesses to look beyond short-term market and cashflow pressures and invest for the long-term in productivity and environmental delivery, providing the foundation for a resilient, competitive and sustainable domestic agricultural sector which delivers food security and csres for the environment.

Investing in the economic stability of the agricultural sector benefits everyone: we can increase our food productivity, create more jobs and deliver much more for the economy and the environment.

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