Future of Farming

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Published: 05 January 2007

Future of Farming

A shared vision for the long term future of English farming has been ‘set out’ by David Miliband, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference Mr Miliband said:

"Farming in England is in transition.

Over the next two decades, its entire operating environment will change. Global demand for its products and services will rise dramatically as a result of rising population and wealth.

As well as new markets there will be new competitors. Consumers are demanding more information on where their food has come from and how it has been produced.

We need in 2007 to develop the confidence and security that comes from a shared vision of the future of farming, and the respective responsibilities of the industry, government, retailers and consumers in making that vision a reality.

I am confident that there is a positive future for farming.

As in many major industries, I recognise there have been problems, but I want the public to hear the positive story that farming has to tell - one that has a new confidence in its future and a new place in the public's affections and perceptions."

The vision for farming in 2020 sees a ‘profitable and competitive farming industry, that takes on the challenge of climate change and is a positive net contributor to the environment’.

As an industry it should:

· be profitable in the marketplace, continuing to produce the majority of the food we consume

· make a positive net environmental contribution, notably in respect of climate change, but also more widely. and

· manage the landscape & the natural assets that underlie it

Mr Miliband continued:

"Our role is to deliver a policy framework that encourages innovation and investment to build market share and justify public spending.

I want all of Government to see that support for farming is vital - to understand the impact its policies have on farming, and the knock-on effects these have on landscapes, on tourism and on the rest of the rural economy."

This vision would be achieved by shared responsibility, Government working in partnership with industry, retailers and consumers.

The industry needs to play its part by understanding:

· that small is vulnerable. Farmers need to consolidate or co-operate

· the need to move up the value chain and find ways to create more value in the goods produced

· the need to diversify into new sectors and innovate.

In 2020, if the government are successful, farmers will be making money from a wide variety of new products, notably in the environmental field as they farm energy, farm water, and farm carbon, as well as farming food. But they will also be diversifying within traditional sectors and using new technology to best effect.

· the need to differentiate your product and reconnect with consumers.

The market in local, seasonal and organic produce is set to grow. Consumer information and labelling is very important. But farmers have a key role themselves. Supply can create demand if it is explained properly.

· seeing climate change as an opportunity not a threat.

Climate change creates problems - but we will need to be able to adapt. If UK farming prepares now for this future, it can get ahead. The UK can become leaders in green farming - developing solutions that reduce the use of natural resources and reduce pollution.

In turn, the Government is committed to:

· being a smarter regulator - this means, for example, a fundamental shift in the relationship between Government and the livestock industry to achieve better management of animal disease risks

· opening up the debate about planning and land use - not just for wind farms but also for disused agricultural buildings

· encouraging new skills for the future and preparing for the future with the real engagement of industry and individuals

· dealing with emissions trading and taxation.

As the Stern Review sets out, in the long term the price of goods should reflect the environmental damage caused by the greenhouses gases they produce, whether this is in production, distribution, consumption or waste disposal.

It will look closely at how incentives within the food, energy and land markets can reflect environmental impact more closely.

· the commitment to a system where by 2020, public funds are used for only public goods that the market cannot deliver, in particular environmental benefits

(Nothing about making sure Defra pays over the grants it owes farmers on time one notices)

Mr Miliband concluded:

"Every part of our economy will have to change dramatically if we are to live with our environmental limits. Farming as a sector is no exception.

Preserving the status quo will not deliver what I hope is a shared vision of an industry with a positive balance sheet both economically and environmentally.

My vision for farming in 2020 is positive, driven by economic, social and environmental goals.

I am determined government will play its part, and I am determined to work with you to make it happen. We can create opportunities. But it is up to you to grasp and shape them."

In reality it appears that the government sits around having visions while the farmers have to do all the work!

Further information

Oxford Farming Conference

Defra - Working in farming - business advice

Policy Commission on the Future of Farming and Food

Defra: Farming: Policy - Sustainable farming and food strategy

John Lewis Partnership: The Future Of Farming Is In Our Hands

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