People back farmers – we need their support

Next month marks the conclusion of the  government’s long-awaited spending review – the culmination of months of wrangling over how much money the country has to spend and indeed what it should be spent on.

The review is one of those dull but important things Westminster watchers get very excited about. It will determine departmental budgets and funding for government agencies – including funding for farm support.

Industry leaders have rightly been lobbying hard for a fair deal for farming. After all, money is tight and the government has hardly covered itself in glory when it comes to recognising the vital role of food production agriculture.

Pledges and promises

Despite repeated pre-election promises to support farmers, the Labour government has quickly ditched those pledges since coming to power last summer.

First there was the decision to impose 20% inheritance tax on farm assets worth more than £1 million – despite previously and publicly promising it would do no such thing.

Then there was the decision to phase out the Basic Payment Scheme harder and faster – leaving family farms without a key form of support.

That was rapidly followed by the sudden and abrupt closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive – shutting off an important revenue stream for farmers producing food sustainably while looking after the environment.

It is increasingly clear that we cannot rely on government support for farming. But the public are supportive. Repeated studies show people  believe farmers are vital – not just as food producers but as environmental guardians too.

Building support

Keeping the public on side and building on that public support is fundamental if farmers are to get a fairer deal from the government – and the recognition that the industry deserves.

One way of doing that is by signing up to take part in Open Farm Sunday on 8 June. It is an opportunity to showcase everything good about British food and farming. Full details are on page 4.

While farming has a voice, people are more powerful and can make more of a difference – including at the ballot box. As an industry, we need to welcome the public onto our farms  and hold them close to our hearts.

Johann Tasker

Editor