- ECIU analyzed data from AHDB regarding shared experiences of extreme weather events in England and Wales.
- Drought is affecting food production in England and Wales, leading to NFU warnings of shortages and political demands for government action.
NFU warns of food security risks amid production cost pressures
What happened
The NFU warned the Public Accounts Committee about food security risks, citing feedback from an Oxfordshire farmer. The union stated that rising production costs, global instability, and extreme weather are pressuring farm businesses. The NFU is calling on the government for measures, including changes to investment allowances and temporary interest-free loans. This warning occurs during a Public Accounts Committee inquiry into the UK's preparedness for major food supply disruptions.
From farminguk.com
Why it matters
The NFU is pressuring HM Treasury and the government to implement financial support and policy changes to stabilize the agricultural sector. The union warns that financial strain is weakening business confidence and delaying investment in farming. The Public Accounts Committee inquiry is examining risks to the food supply chain, including the impact of extreme weather.
Drought is affecting food production in England and Wales, leading to NFU warnings of shortages and political demands for government action.
From farminguk.com
Who's involved
- NFURepresentative body warning about financial strain and food security risks.
- Public Accounts CommitteeSelect committee examining government expenditures and food supply chain resilience.
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsAgriculture ministry involved in the inquiry into food supply chain risks.
- HM TreasuryGovernment department targeted by NFU demands for tax and loan changes.
- governmentThe governing body being lobbied by the NFU for policy and funding adjustments.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs might face pressure regarding its policy remit due to NFU warnings on production costs.
- HM TreasurySpeculative
HM Treasury could face pressure regarding funding and policy changes related to investment allowances and tax relief.
- governmentSpeculative
The government may need to adjust policy and funding access to address food security concerns and support farm businesses.
- parliamentSpeculative
Parliament could see increased regulatory scrutiny and legislative action regarding food supply chain risks.
Keep exploring
Part of
Drought is affecting food production in England and Wales, leading to NFU warnings of shortages and political demands for government action.Also in this story
- Uplands summits are addressing production threats faced by upland farms in North Wales, which are key suppliers of high-quality beef and lamb.
- The NFU is lobbying Members of Parliament regarding agricultural policy issues in England due to ongoing drought losses affecting farming businesses.
- Agricultural challenges require organized representation. The Environment Agency is providing support for water management in England.
- Food industry bodies in England and Wales are facing rising production and manufacturing costs due to drought and global conflicts.
The entities involved
- NFU
-
Oxfordshire
county in England, UK
-
Public Accounts Committee
select committee of the British House of Commons responsible for overseeing government expenditures
Related events
- NFU is addressing concerns from Warwickshire farmers and appointing Mark Meadows to the NFU Midlands crop board.
- The NFU is advocating for food targets to secure the future of Cambridgeshire, with Alison Morris leading the charge as the NFU Cambridgeshire chair.
- NFU representatives engaged in farming activities in Northumberland and meetings in North Wales.
- The NFU's Suffolk branch is currently engaged in representing the interests of local farmers.
- NFU representatives consulted on water security issues in Herefordshire.