Written by Iain Hoey
Short and mid-term confidence among British farmers has remained negative for the third year running, according to the NFU’s latest Confidence Survey.
“The fact that both short and mid-term confidence has remained negative since 2018 is very telling of the uncertainty and challenges farmers continue to face,” said NFU President, Minette Batters.
“Farming is a long-term business. Confidence in our businesses is absolutely crucial if we are to continue to be productive and profitable and the driving force behind sustainable, climate-friendly food production around the world.”
One of the key concerns among farmers is the phasing out of BPS, with 78% of respondents saying they believe it will have a negative impact on their business. This is followed by the rise in input prices and changes to regulation and legislation due to Brexit.
The survey also shows that 44% of farmers and growers have been impacted by the pandemic, with the figure jumping to 73% for horticulture businesses.
The NFU President highlighted that levelling up urban and rural areas would help build confidence within the industry and boost business and investment opportunities for farmers, in turn delivering more for the country.
Batters said it was ‘not surprising’ that the phasing out of BPS was the top concern, as farmers will start seeing payment rates being reduced this year, without any new schemes to replace this income and a lack of detail about the interim and future schemes.
“Not knowing what kind of standards will be involved in these future schemes makes it very difficult for farm businesses to plan for the future,” she said.
“Farmers need to know that the government is supporting them and investing in rural Britain. We need to know that the government is working to level up urban and rural areas and resolve issues such as rural planning, rural crime and inefficient broadband and connectivity.
“Investment in these areas will help build confidence and provide more opportunities for farm businesses, enabling them to deliver even more for the country, from producing more quality, sustainable and affordable food to contributing to the government’s green growth ambition.”
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