Farming and Food Security

In a statement delivered in the House of Commons, a minister has called on the government to take immediate action to support British farmers facing significant challenges due to wet weather and rising costs. The minister emphasized the importance of food security as an essential component of national security, particularly in an increasingly uncertain global environment. The minister expressed regret that the £50 million extension of the Farming Recovery Fund has yet to be paid out, and expressed concern over reports suggesting a £100 million cut to the farming budget. The minister urged the government to confirm that the full £50 million of additional Farming Recovery Fund support, £75 million for Internal Drainage Boards, and £220 million allocated to technology and productivity schemes will be used in full and without delay, and that no reduction to the farming budget will be made, with any underspends rolled forward as in previous years. The minister highlighted the significant impact of the wet weather on British farmers, noting that between October 2022 and March 2024, England experienced the most rain in any 18-month period since records began in 1836. This has prevented many farmers from getting crops into the ground, and compromised the quality of crops where they have been able to do so. The minister warned that England is heading for one of its worst harvests on record, with the wheat harvest alone estimated to be down by more than 2.2 million tonnes, representing an 18% reduction since last year. The minister called on the government to keep farming and food production high on the agenda, including by continuing to host the annual Farm to Fork Summit in Downing Street, continuing to publish the annual food security index, and appointing a Tenant Farming Commissioner. The minister also urged the government to secure the long-term future of domestic food production by protecting the best agricultural land from inappropriate development, tackling rural crime, and ensuring that the next generation can get into farming by protecting Agricultural Property Relief. The minister emphasized that with the increasing uncertainty in the world, food security is more important than ever and should be seen as a key part of the UK's national security. The minister called on the government to take immediate action to support British farmers and ensure the long-term viability of domestic food production.