Environment Secretary Advocates for British Agriculture on Back British Farming Day

Thank you all for being here this morning. It is a genuine pleasure to address you today.

I would like to extend my gratitude to the National Farmers’ Union for organising this Back British Farming Day reception, which serves as a platform to honour the relentless dedication of our farmers and growers. Their work is vital in producing high-quality food, nurturing our natural environment, and sustaining the heart of Britain’s rural communities.

Recognising the Contributions of Farmers

Today is an occasion to wear a wheat sheaf, symbolising our respect for the invaluable contributions that farmers make to our country.

I am delighted to return to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). My leadership here is informed by my previous experience as Farming Minister, a role that provided me with profound insights, as well as my time as Security Minister. Although my tenure in security was shorter, it reinforced the understanding that farming is as crucial to our national security as energy or defence.

One observation I would like to make is that the availability of food has often been taken for granted over the years. Our success in food production has led to a sense of complacency, with many assuming that it will always be plentiful.

However, we are now confronted with challenges that require strategic thinking, particularly in light of the recent summer and growing season we have experienced. In many ways, these challenges echo those faced since the last World War.

Addressing Current Challenges in Agriculture

We must adopt new perspectives on how to approach the future of farming. The past year has been notably difficult for many farmers, marked by rising input costs, depleted water supplies due to consecutive heatwaves, and climate-induced diseases, with the bluetongue outbreak being particularly pressing at the moment.

When a third of our farmers report that they are operating at a loss, it is imperative to rethink our strategies. If we expect farmers to provide food for our tables, the farming sector must also ensure financial viability for those within it. This is a straightforward conclusion to reach.

This is why we are taking decisive action to assist the sector in navigating immediate pressures while also working towards a more profitable, productive, and sustainable agricultural future.

We stand on the brink of a significant agricultural revolution, leveraging new technologies that must be operationalised effectively so that farmers can reap their benefits.

Government Initiatives to Support Farmers

In his first month in office, the Prime Minister visited a farm to announce a £65 million support package, which includes enhanced access to water and £15 million dedicated to creating on-farm reservoirs.

I am also acutely aware of the challenges faced by animal keepers in light of the bluetongue outbreak. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has released a new heat map detailing suspected and confirmed cases, which I hope will assist you in understanding the risks in your locality. Starting from Friday, 11th September, a revised reporting process will streamline the confirmation of disease cases.

I encourage you to consult with your veterinarian regarding vaccination, as it significantly mitigates the severity of the disease. Under the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, you can also apply for a complimentary annual veterinary visit.

Long-term Strategies for Agricultural Resilience

However, immediate support alone is insufficient. For too long, farmers have had to navigate these challenges without a cohesive overarching strategy. This is why I have collaborated closely with the sector to formulate the first-ever strategic plan for agriculture, outlining how the industry must evolve by integrating nature-led solutions with traditional farming practices. This combination will enhance our resilience as we advance.

On Back British Farming Day, I wish to reaffirm my unwavering support for the Farming Roadmap. The Prime Minister and I are committed to backing you in implementing this vital plan.

The Roadmap envisions a harmonious relationship between nature and farming. Healthy soil retains water during drought and drains excess during heavy rainfall. Hedgerows and trees provide shelter to livestock during heatwaves.

Funding and Future Initiatives

Our Land Use Framework indicates that a 15% shift in land use is necessary, and we are confident that this transition can occur while maintaining current food production levels. We are dedicated to facilitating this change.

Our Sustainable Farming Incentive supports nature-based practices, and I am pleased to report that Window 1 was a success, with 7,000 applications received—87% from businesses without an Environmental Land Management (ELM) agreement.

We anticipate that Window 2 will open on 22nd September with an enhanced budget of £230 million, along with a new provision allowing farmers with agreements expiring by the end of February 2027 to apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive before their current agreements conclude.

In addition, we have allocated £225 million—an increase of 50% from last year—to bolster our capital grants programme. This funding is facilitating tangible environmental improvements, including the creation of 2,500 km of new hedgerows and enhancements to profitability.

Collaboration for Future Growth

The Farming Improvement Partnership Board is bringing industry leaders together to devise comprehensive plans for growth, commencing with our horticulture growth plan, which I am wholeheartedly committed to advancing. Subsequent plans will encompass poultry and other sectors.

British farmers should not bear the brunt of the changing climate alone.

I believe we are at a pivotal moment, particularly following the challenging summer we have just endured, marking the third difficult summer in the last five years. The potential for similar hardships looms ahead, particularly with the El Niño phenomenon developing in distant oceans.

Thus, we are at a critical juncture where the Farming Roadmap, the Farming and Food Partnership Board, and the Land Use Framework must converge to establish a clear direction for making farming profitable while ensuring a secure food supply.

On this Back British Farming Day, I want to reaffirm this government’s commitment to creating the conditions necessary for you to adapt and thrive. When farmers succeed, the entire nation flourishes.

Thank you very much.