The Government’s farm profitability review ‘must listen to the heartbeat of the industry’, according to the Provision Trade Federation (PTF), which represents sectors accounting for 20% of UK household food expenditure and 130,000 UK jobs.
Former NFU President and farmer, Baroness Minette Batters, was recently appointed by the Secretary of State at DEFRA to listen to farmers and growers. Her work will cover all land areas and sectors of the industry, as well as engaging with other government departments whose work impacts farmers.
“It is encouraging that the Government has appointed someone who has real experience and a deep knowledge of farming to lead this important work.” said Rod Addy, PTF director general.
“Baroness Batters’ review will inform the development of the UK food strategy, farming roadmap and the Land Use Framework and therefore it’s vital that those directly impacted get involved, take part and are heard as part of this review.”
Baroness Minette Batters joined the NFU when she started farming, and rose to be county chair and a member of several NFU committees. As the first woman president of NFU, Minette has been a positive force within the agricultural industry.
“I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this review and look forward to working with farmers and growers to provide recommendations to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.” she said following her appointment.
The PTF is a food trade association representing processing, manufacturing and trading companies that cover a wide range of staple provisions. These include dairy products, cheese, butter, powders, yogurt, short life dairy desserts and dairy drinks, pork, bacon, ham and fishery products, sourced from UK, EU and international supply chains.
“There is no doubt our members are at the sharp end of the pressures experienced in UK farming,” Addy continued. “The need for safe, secure and sustainable food has never been more vital for the economic and physical health and wellbeing of our nation.”
“When it comes to profitability, we face multiple challenges and that calls for action across the whole supply chain.”
“That is why this work, being led by Baroness Minette Batters, needs to truly tune into the heart beat of our sector.”
