The CLA whose members own or manage more than 10 million acres of rural land across England and Wales has responded to the Industrial Strategy published today

In the report the Government has said they will:"..put the UK at the forefront of the global move to high-efficiency agriculture. Rising global demand for food and water is increasing the need for agriculture that produces more from less. The new ‘Transforming food production: from farm to fork’ programme will put the UK at the forefront of advanced sustainable agriculture. Over the coming years, as we replace the Common Agricultural Policy, we will increase the incentives for investment in sustainable agriculture, helping to grow the markets for innovative technologies and techniques. With powers set to return from the EU, the UK government is in discussions with the devolved administrations over future arrangements. Our work will develop in line with the outcome of those discussions".

They also stated they would put the UK at the forefront of the AI and data revolution which will benefit the farming industry.

CLA President Tim Breitmeyer said: “Businesses across the rural economy will play a vital role in our future prosperity. CLA research has shown what an essential role landowners play in investing in new and existing businesses, creating jobs and shaping communities.

“We will continue to work with the Government to put in place the practical policies that make it easier to unlock the investment potential of rural business. It is disappointing to not see more specific action pledged on planning reform but the commitment to invest in the roll out of broadband and mobile connectivity is vitally important. The reference to rural areas is good but we will continue to watch this closely because promises have been made many times before yet delivery remains patchy.

NFU President Meurig Raymond said: “The Industrial Strategy shows some positive prospects for British food and farming – a sector worth £112 billion to the UK economy, employing 3.8 million people.

“The NFU has been raising the profile of the agri-food sector ever since the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy began consulting on driving economic growth and productivity earlier this year.

“We are delighted to read of the Government’s desire to ‘put the UK at the forefront of the global move to high-efficiency agriculture’ as well as the likely prospect of a new Challenge Fund programme of research funding on ‘Transforming food production, from farm to fork’. The NFU’s work on setting out innovation needs for farming is a key ingredient. 

“And we welcome the Government commitment to a new partnership with the whole food chain.  It will be critically important that the interests of our agriculture and horticulture members are represented on the proposed Food and Drink Sector Council, which will build upon the emerging proposals for an overarching Food and Farming Sector Deal.

“British farming forms the bedrock to the UK’s largest manufacturing industry – food & drink – and it meets 61% of the nation’s food needs. The NFU has set out a bold and ambitious vision for how British farming can build on its productivity, profitability and progressiveness. By and large, this White Paper shows the promising signs needed for a bright and sustainable future for British farming.”