The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has said that next week’s Autumn Budget provides an opportunity for the government to showcase its commitment to British farming and demonstrate how it will increase food resilience at home, as well as developing markets for Britain’s climate friendly food across the world.
In a pre-Budget submission to Chancellor Rishi Sunak, the NFU highlighted how, by investing in the nation’s food production system, the government can capitalise further on the benefits British food and farming delivers for economic growth.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “Our Levelling Up report shows how investment in British farming can bring huge benefits across the board, with rural Britain at the heart of realising many of the government’s ambitions.
British farming supports the health and wellbeing of the nation; whether that’s by working towards achieving net zero by 2040, protecting and enhancing our treasured landscapes, delivering world-leading animal welfare, or as the backbone of the UK’s £120 billion food and drink sector which provides jobs for around four million people.
“But the transition from current schemes to new needs to be done right.
“There is a huge amount at stake but there is so much to gain if we work in partnership to get this right.”
