Julian holds NFU roundtable to talk to local farmers
September 2, 2023
This week, Julian held a NFU Roundtable with farmers from across York Outer to discuss issues facing the sector which will hinder aims to boost domestic food production.
Regardless of the type of farming – arable, dairy or livestock – the same key themes emerged. These included stewardship, labour and skills, as well as rural crime.
On stewardship, there were concerns regarding the process behind the new sustainable farming incentive with more complex claims being handled last. This could mean farms investing the most in schemes have to wait the longest for funding. Furthermore, there were worries that the administration of the schemes is operated with a mindset to catch out applicants, the majority of whom will have made a genuine error in completing complicated forms rather than set out to make a fraudulent claim. The new sustainable farming incentive will remain under review beyond 2025 so Julian hopes with his feedback tweaks can be made to resolve these concerns.
On labour and skills, the lack of funding for training new farmers compared to other apprenticeships was a concern. While many farmers are happy to invest time and money in training the next generation, it is understandably frustrating if the trainee leaves the farm shortly after their final qualification. With support from the Government more inline with how electrical and plumbing apprenticeships are funded, this would eliminate some of the risk and make it a more attractive option. Before this though, we also need to rewrite the narrative on agricultural jobs so more young people consider a career on a farm. It takes a lot of skill to operate modern farm equipment and pay reflects this, but many do not realise this.
Rural Crime is an increasing concern with poaching and trespassing on the rise. Farms within York Outer fall within the remit of city centre North Yorkshire Police stations, who understandably are focussed on other types of crime prevalent in large population centres. As always, the key is to report any crime so that the data reflects the reality as anecdotal evidence cannot be used to lobby for a change in police priorities. Julian will be holding a public meeting on rural crime shortly for local farmers as well as other constituents, which will be advertised once all arrangements are confirmed.
Julian will be taking these issues and more forward with a meeting with Mark Spencer MP, the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries, in September. The feedback will also inform his role on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee.
