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Agriculture

Yorkshire Farmers Call for Support Amidst Industry Challenges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Agricultural leaders and government officials met for a roundtable discussion to address the sector's growth and challenges. The conversation focused on the benefits of farming, including food production, job creation, environmental conservation, and community contributions. The NFU emphasized the need for government support to ensure the industry's continued success.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NFU stressed the importance of government support for farmers, particularly in the context of current challenges such as drought and labor shortages.
  • The trade organization proposed a "clawback" alternative to the government's planned changes to inheritance tax, which aims to raise revenue while avoiding penalties on elderly farm owners and family farms.
  • The NFU called for fairness in the supply chain, improved market transparency, and legislation to ensure at least half of all food purchased by the public sector is produced locally.
  • Official figures show that farming contributes £3.4 billion to the Yorkshire economy, providing over 30,000 jobs in the county.
  • A report by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, highlights the challenges facing Yorkshire farmers and rural businesses, including unsustainable profits and lack of access to labor.
  • The NFU welcomed the report and emphasized the need for government support, stating that confidence among farmers is crucial for the industry's continued growth.

Statistics:

  • 52% of county farms do not make a profit (Mayor of York and North Yorkshire report)
  • The proposal to change inheritance tax could increase the proportion of farms with unsustainable profits to 61% with tax planning and 73% without (Mayor of York and North Yorkshire report)
  • £3.4 billion: contribution of farming to the Yorkshire economy (official figures)
  • 30,000+: jobs provided by farming in Yorkshire (official figures)
  • 50%: minimum proportion of locally produced food required in the public sector (NFU ask)

Sources:

  • [NFU President Tom Bradshaw quoted in media report]
  • [Mayor of York and North Yorkshire report: "Supporting Yorkshire Farmers and Rural Businesses"]
  • [Official figures: Yorkshire Farming Contribution]
  • [NFU media report: "Yorkshire Farmers Meet with Government to Discuss Industry Challenges"]
  • [Image caption: NFU President Tom Bradshaw and members meet Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner at the Great Yorkshire Show]

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