Stuart has endorsed the plans set out by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak MP at the second Farm to Fork Summit held at Downing Street on 13th May 2024. This is the Government’s second annual food security summit and the launch of plans which will boost domestic food production and improve food security in South Shropshire. The plan, which builds on the Government’s strong measures of support for British farmers, includes introducing the first ever UK Food Security Index, which will allow the government to monitor in year shocks across the UK and support the sector grow more food.
The Government has also responded to the Shropshire Review, ensuring that the domestic farming sector has the labour it needs, and the funding to support greater automation. This includes extending the seasonal visa route for five years, and agreeing a taper for this period with industry, supporting the transition away from migrant workers with a planned £50 million package on packhouse automation funding.
Stuart welcomed the plan to replace the retained EU scheme from 2026 with an expanded offer of £80 million per year to ensure all parts of the edible horticulture sector, from potatoes to raspberries, can benefit from Government funding to support growth, innovation, and environmental outcomes.
The Government is also supporting farmers to get a fair price for their products, by announcing the next steps in the supply chain reviews for eggs, fresh produce and pigs. In all three sectors the Government will introduce legislation to enhance fairness and transparency.
The Government also announced last month grants of between £500 and £25,000 to farmers affected by exceptional flooding due to Storm Henk. It is also putting in place flexibility through temporary adjustments to agreements in Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship so farmers who have been unable to carry out requirements do not miss out on income in the transition from the EU Basic Payment Scheme to SFI.
It is all part of a new package to boost food security and domestic production, including up to £50 million for packhouse automation and a £15 million Farm Gate Food Waste Fund, launching on 31 May 2024, to help industry ensure good food makes its way to people rather than going to animal feed or anaerobic digestion. It also includes a new £72 million Endemics Disease Scheme, £22 million Infrastructure Grant for Laying Hens, and £3 million to support small and mobile abattoirs. A Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector will be appointed this Autumn, while £75 million will be invested via internal drainage boards to protect agricultural land, including horticulture businesses and rural communities from flooding. The Farmer’s Support Portal on Stuart’s website has been updated with details of the latest support available.
Stuart Anderson said:
“Backing our farmers is a key part of my plan for South Shropshire. Responses to my farming survey have highlighted the importance of helping our farmers to produce food more profitably and sustainably in order to strengthen our food security. That's why I am really pleased that the Government has been listening and has now announced these plans to help build a more resilient food and farming sector by cutting red tape, making sure farmers get a fairer price for their products, and increasing support in areas where can most help to unlock innovation.”
