Defra Secretary Steve Reed is set to announce at NFU Conference today (February 25) reforms to boost farmers' profitability as part of the Government's plan for change.
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Defra
Speaking to farmers at the NFU conference in Westminster, Steve Reed will announce a raft of policies which he claims will ‘put money' into the pockets of British farmers and ‘reaffirms' the Government's ‘cast iron' commitment to food production and unlocking rural growth.
As part of the announcement, he is expected to confirm an extension to the Seasonal Worker visa scheme for ‘five more years' giving farmers a pipeline of workers and the certainty to grow their businesses.
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Seasonal workers
Defra said annual quota reviews will ensure the right balance is struck and supports farmers whilst gradually reducing the visa numbers as ‘alternative solutions' are developed.
Mr Reed is also set to announced new requirements for Government catering contracts to favour ‘high quality, high-welfare products' which local farms and producers are based place to serve.
Public procurement
The move he will say marks a ‘major leap' in achieving the Government's ambition for at least 50% of food supplied into the £5 billion public sector catering contracts to be from British producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.
Farm technology
In addition to these measures, Mr Reed will confirm a £110m investment into the Farming Innovation Programme which supports research and development of agri-technology for farmers, for example the chemical free cleaning for integrated milking equipment, which lowers energy costs and chemical use.
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund provides grants of up to £25,000 to buy new equipment such as electric weeders to reduce chemical use.
Animal diseases
He will also confirm the go ahead of setting up a new National Biosecurity Centre to transform the Animal and Plant Health Agency animal health facility at Weybridge, investing as previously announced, £200 million to improve our resilience against animal disease to protect farmers and food producers.
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Prior to giving his speech to delegates, Mr Reed said: "The underlying problem is that farmers do not make enough money for the hard work and commitment they put in.
Farm profitability
"I will consider my time as Secretary of State a failure if I do not improve profitability for farmers across the country.
"My focus is on ensuring farming becomes more profitable because that is how we make your businesses viable for the future. And that is how we ensure the long-term food security this country needs."
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The measures announced today, Defra said builds on the commitments made at the Oxford Farming Conference, where Mr Reed set out the Government's vision for farming including using planning reforms to support food production; diversifying income streams; and a fair supply chain.
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