British Farming Faces Struggles Amidst Support from Public and NFU

Strategic Insights -

British farming faces significant struggles, from crippling debts to imported products under different standards, despite a surge in public support and efforts from the National Farmers' Union (NFU). Lincolnshire, known as the "Breadbasket" of the country, is home to over 4,500 farms, with many more across the nation. However, the average farm carries substantial debts, and the average age of farmers has risen to 60, highlighting the need for long-term investment and succession planning. As the country celebrates Back British Farming Day, the NFU is urging the government to take action to improve farm profitability, protect domestic food production, and ensure fair trade standards.

Key Takeaways:

  • The average Lincolnshire farm carries significant debts, with the average farm in the UK also facing financial struggles.
  • Nearly half of all farm businesses are tenanted, meaning many farmers do not own their most valuable asset, the land they farm.
  • The average age of farmers has risen to 60, highlighting the need for long-term investment and succession planning.
  • NFU county chairman, Henry Moreton, emphasized that farming is an old profession in the world, with Lincolnshire being a primary producer, attributing this to the high quality of the country's produce.
  • Mr. Moreton stated that imported products are depressing the markets, as they use banned chemicals and are grown to lower standards.
  • The NFU is urging the government to recognize public support with policies that value domestic food production, citing the Backing British Farming campaign.
  • NFU President Tom Bradshaw highlighted the importance of investing in farmers and growers to recognize the value of their work in producing food and supporting communities.
  • Mr. Bradshaw emphasized the need for improving the profitability of sustainable food production to secure the long-term future of farms.
  • One key step proposed by the NFU government is to change inheritance tax to avoid bereaved farming families from facing overwhelming tax bills.

Statistics:

  • Over 4,500 farms exist in Lincolnshire.
  • 92% of people feel it is important for Britain to have a productive farming sector.
  • 89% say British farms should grow as much food as possible to support national food security.
  • The NFU's Farmer Favourability Survey highlighted the importance of recognizing public support with policies that value domestic food production.
  • The British food and drink sector is worth over £150 billion to the economy and supports more than four million jobs.

Sources:

  • Lincolshire Live
  • NFU (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • Dan Kitwood/Getty Images (no date mentioned in the original text)
  • LBC and The Lincolnshire Live