Defra has finally published Dame Minette Batters’ Farming Profitability Review – an initiative commissioned by former Defra minister Steve Reed in April this year.
Dame Minette Batters
The 155-page document assesses the issues underpinning farm business profitability and makes 57 recommendations for improvement to farm business resilience and viability in the short, medium and long terms.
“Together, these recommendations offer a coherent framework for how government and industry can work in partnership to deliver a more profitable, sustainable farming system,” says Defra. It adds that the report will influence the forthcoming government Food Strategy, Farming Roadmap and Land Use Framework.
As a first response to the Report, the government is to create a new Farming and Food Partnership Board with a remit to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability across the sector.
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has welcomed the Batters Review and supports its evidence-based recommendations to help secure the profitability of British agriculture.
“We are encouraged by the constructive approach taken and the focus on profitability, investment and confidence, which is essential for driving productivity and growth for a forward-thinking sector,” comments AIC chief executive Robert Sheasby.
“We also welcome the creation of the new Partnership Board; working in partnership between industry and government has long been an AIC ask.”
Mr Sheasby says it is positive that many of the core issues it identified in its response to Dame Minette’s Report have been acknowledged and feature in the Review’s recommendations. These include: using the agricultural sector as a way to grow UK GDP; improving cropping diversity – especially in oilseeds and pulses; better data on land use; implementing new fertiliser regulations; and simplifying climate and emissions reporting.
“AIC appreciates Baroness Batters’ engagement with the AIC Board and her consideration of our response during the review process,” concludes Mr Sheasby. “The AIC policy team will work through the full report and discuss the findings with relevant committees and engage government in the next steps.”