The government is announcing a new deal for farmers in an effort to reset its relationship with the industry. This comes after protests from farmers over changes to agricultural inheritance tax and subsidy schemes. The new deal aims to make farm businesses more profitable and sustainable, with a focus on fairer payment for produce and phasing out flat payment rates in favor of payments for restoring and protecting nature.
Despite the backlash over tax changes, the government will not announce any policy changes regarding inheritance tax or farm subsidies. The focus will be on making farms more profitable in the long term, rather than short-term fixes. Nature campaigners stress the importance of addressing climate breakdown and implementing nature-friendly farming payments to improve biodiversity.
Farmers have struggled financially, with many at risk of financial instability, and the recent budget review stated that farming schemes will be reviewed from 2025-26. The government is also working on a land use framework and food strategy to protect food security from climate shocks.
Overall, the government’s new deal for farmers aims to address sustainability, profitability, and biodiversity in the farming industry. However, challenges remain in balancing fair payments for farmers while keeping food prices affordable for consumers. The government is expected to provide more details on its plans in the coming months, including a farming roadmap to guide the industry through the transition to nature-friendly and climate-adapted farming practices.
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