The long-awaited farming profitability review lead by Minette Batters was published yesterday. Her 57 recommendations make interesting reading, but we must be realistic in assuming that not all of them are going to be adopted by government. Some of the main points include:
- The setting up of a new Farming and Food Partnership Board
- Changes to the National Planning Policy Framework to speed up key infrastructure such as on-farm reservoirs, greenhouses and farm shops, making it easier for farmers to invest and expand.
- Stepping up action on supply chain fairness – Continuing scrutiny of unfair practices and considering of changes to Groceries Code Adjudicator oversight.
- Tackling barriers to private finance – Bringing together farmers, agri-food businesses and major financial institutions to attract investment into farm transformation and productivity.
- Supporting exports and new markets – Ministers leading dedicated trade missions in 2026 to showcase British food and drink overseas.
Well done the farming lobbying organisations and those who contributed to the consultation meetings and documents. We recommend grabbing a brew and a mince pie and reading the full report here.
