Ministers and food industry leaders have pledged to “unlock sustainable and profitable growth” in the industry following the inaugural meeting of the Farming & Food Partnership Board.
The board – formed after recommendations in Baroness Minette Batters’ Farm Profitability Review – “brought government and industry together to drive a more resilient food system”, said Defra after last week’s meeting.
Its aim was to put “farm productivity and profitability at the centre of decision-making, championing homegrown produce and strengthening the UK’s supply chain”, Defra added.
The FFPB’s maiden meeting was chaired by environment secretary Emma Reynolds, who said its foundation marked “a major moment for British farming, bringing the whole food chain together to deliver real change for farm and food businesses”.
“We are working with industry to boost productivity and profitability, support innovation, drive growth and make it easier for the whole supply chain to succeed,” she added.
The board’s priority will be to develop Sector Growth Plans to tackle barriers to growth, unlock investment, accelerate technology uptake and boost farm returns.
Horticulture and poultry will be the first sectors in focus. Work on the horticulture plan will begin immediately, with poultry to follow this summer.
Subgroups may also be established to bring together experts from across government and industry to tackle key challenges and deliver tangible improvements in farm profitability.
The FFPB consists of Tom Bradshaw (NFU), Robert Sheasby (Agricultural Industries Confederation), Sarah Bradbury (IGD), Kate Nicholls (UKHospitality), Emily Norton (AHDB), Balwinder Dhoot (FDF) and Andrew Opie (BRC).
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NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the board “could not come at a more opportune time”.
“As the geopolitical outlook becomes more uncertain with the conflict in the Middle East and ongoing war in Ukraine, it is essential that we build a resilient domestic food and farming industry,” he added.
“We look forward to working with the board to ensure profitability and productivity are at the heart of farming and growing businesses, as this is key to building a stable, homegrown sector that is resilient for the long term.”
FDF chief executive Karen Betts said the board had a “significant job to do” but welcomed the chance to turn words into action.
“From farm to manufacturer to consumer, we need a joined-up approach that supports growth and strengthens food security, right across the supply chain,” Betts added.
“This is a great opportunity for British farmers and producers,” said BRC food and sustainability director Andrew Opie. “Retailers want even more great British food to sell to customers, and the new Board will help boost production and remove blockers, supporting farmers to meet increasing demand for quality, sustainable produce.”
Following the meeting, the government said it was also working closely with industry to support farmers facing rising diesel and fertiliser costs.
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