General Election 'a reset moment for British agriculture'

Sir Keir Starmer's party swept to victory as the Conservative vote collapsed in scores of areas, with a host of senior Tories losing their seats, including former Farming Minister Mark Spencer, who was beaten by Labour's Michelle Welsh in the race for Nottinghamshire's new Sherwood Forest constituency.

Reacting to the news today, Mr Bradshaw said: “This is a reset moment for British agriculture as we work with Sir Keir Starmer’s new government to drive our sector forwards and grow.

“Labour’s manifesto recognised that food security is national security, but it is business confidence which forms the foundation of this. With British farmers and growers ambitious for the future, what they – and the public – need are practical policies that revitalise farm business confidence and deliver on our shared mission of food security.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, our ability to provide affordable, climate friendly and high welfare food will be critical for families across the country, as well as underpinning the UK’s largest manufacturing sector, food and drink, and stimulating economic growth.

“That’s why, for Britain’s farmers, the number one priority for the new Labour government must be to set an increased multi-year agriculture budget for the duration of the next Parliament. This is about investing in the future of British farming – in homegrown food, in the environment and in renewable energy.

“In the coming days and weeks, we will be building on our strong engagement with Labour ministers to date to discuss essential policy solutions on key issues for our members. There are a number of policies within Labour’s manifesto which we will want to see actioned, for example ensuring the new Environmental Land Management Schemes work for all farm businesses, setting core standards for food imports and legislation to boost public procurement."

He added: "At the same time, there are various issues that need greater recognition if the sector is to unlock its potential for growth, such as a fit for purpose Seasonal Workers Scheme, effective import controls, supply chain fairness, investment in infrastructure and flexibility in planning.

“Our members will also want to see the new government’s commitment to food security by being alert to the risk and impact of disease, particularly bovine TB, as we work towards the government’s target to eradicate this terrible disease by 2038. With the latest science showing a 56 per cent decline in TB outbreaks, continuing with an effective and comprehensive eradication plan, which is based on scientific evidence, is essential.

“Working together on these immediate priorities is a win-win. The public will get more of the British food they know and love, farmers and growers will have the confidence to build profitable, sustainable, resilient businesses – supporting economic growth and environmental delivery – and this new government will help to secure a safe supply of homegrown food in an increasingly volatile and uncertain world.”

The National Sheep Association said the new Labour Government has a lot to do to secure rural confidence.

“Agriculture is still within ‘transition’ away from the Common Agricultural Policy, and in addition has suffered from several years of turmoil," said chief executive Phil Stocker. "With the election now over and a new Labour Government in power it gives an opportunity to build on some good work that has been done, to deal with some of the gaps still left such as a clear vision and a stronger connection between food production, land management, health, and the economy, to finally give some stability and certainty to our sector – which should be seen as a strategically vital sector.

“NSA has been clear in its own priorities for a new government, however during the election period, Labour has made little reference to the farming industry. Now is the time to engage, listen and develop a food, rural, agriculture and land use policy that supports rural communities and food security in the UK. We want to start that stability with continuity with the shadow team that has engaged so far with industry. A change of personnel into these roles will not be welcomed.”

Mr Stocker continued: “The Labour manifesto was short on detail and depth and when the party has been questioned on future agriculture budgets has responded that we need more understanding of the value and benefits of investments to date. NSA agrees with this but we are also strongly of the opinion that current budgets are inadequate given the urgency of many challenges ahead. We urgently need wider and deeper impact assessments of the new farming and environmental schemes as well as more complete recognition of public goods delivery – including food production as a public good.

“It is imperative there is not another U-turn in policy for the industry, instead existing policy needs to be built upon and fundamental issues raised by the wider industry addressed.”

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan congratulated Labour on its victory, and said: "The new government must listen to and learn from the rural community, as farmers and rural business owners can so often provide the solutions to the problems that government faces. We will work with ministers constructively, and perhaps at times robustly, in pursuit of a strong rural economy.

“The new government must hit the ground running. From providing certainty around the farming budget to overhauling the archaic planning system, it needs to go for growth with a robust and ambitious strategy for the countryside.

“The rural economy is 16 per cent less productive than the national average, and closing that gap could add £43bn to UK GVA. With the right support, rural businesses can generate growth, creating good jobs and prosperity for every community.”

Guy Coggrave, managing director of GSC Grays meanwhile, said the result and potential tax shifts could impact land and farm sales in Northern England.

“The farmland market in the North is currently experiencing increased activity, despite there being a shortage of good-sized arable or commercial farms coming to market," he said. "Supply and demand are roughly balanced, but it would not take much to tip this balance, especially with factors like debt reduction and changes in farming policy playing a significant role.

“Potential increases in Capital Gains Tax or the removal of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) could further impact the market. Business Property Relief (BPR) is hoped to remain unchanged, but if APR is modified, landowners must ensure their farms are active enterprises to benefit from this relief. Farmers are increasingly using specialist advice focusing on profitability and sustainability of their farm businesses, which is the essence of the Defra funded Farming Business Advice Service (FBAS) we have delivered to over 1,000 farming enterprises this year.

“The majority of bare land sales in the North are highly localised, often depending on neighbouring interests looking to expand their enterprise while those buyers with an environmental agenda have become more selective, recognising they have sometimes overpaid in the past. Demand for larger arable and more commercial units remains strong.

“The quality and presentation of farms is increasingly important and for those who are considering selling, it is advisable to act promptly to make the most of what currently remains a favourable tax regime, which many commentators anticipate will change this autumn or next spring.”