Ceres Rural Calls for a Transparent Farming Strategy

11^th March, a day the rural industry was served not just one piece of news which increases concern for farming practices and their future resilience, but two.

The first – the information published within The Planning & Infrastructure Bill, which includes measures that will see farmers having to sacrifice land through compulsory purchase for less than their potential, or ‘hope’, value. Councils will have the power to acquire land from farmers for new homes and hospitals, paying only its current value.

The second – the immediate closure of Sustainable Farming Incentive applications. A seemingly ‘knee jerk’ reaction, with no notice or warning, leaving farmers with no access to any live scheme to help support operations, which are becoming increasing difficult to make profitable.

Whilst neither move is surprising, given the way the landscape has moved since July 2024, both deliver continued uncertainty and continued anxiety for farmers at a time when farming confidence is already at a record low¹.

Now over 13% into their term, the Government has had ample time to understand the existing schemes and make a clear plan to continue moving through the Agricultural Transition. Yet seemingly, no such plan exists, and no structured decision-making is taking place.

This is not just about politics, it’s about an industry being driven to its knees by an array of factors, but the announcements since the budget are adding weight to the shoulders to drive it down quicker.

Ultimately, it is another sad day for the farming industry. An industry which is a critical working cog in this country’s ability to survive and thrive. We will endeavour to do our part to support it through these challenging times, which are simply unrivalled in our history, but we can only do so much. Now it is time for Defra to be transparent and forthcoming with their strategy and objectives for farmers, to give them a glimmer of hope that their businesses will be supported.

—

1. The NFU’s annual Farmer Confidence Survey reveals that:

Short-term confidence (1 year outlook) has decreased 10 points since last year from -25 to -35.

Mid-term confidence (3 year outlook) has decreased 16 points from -22 to -38.

Mid-term confidence has remained in negative territory for eight years but has deteriorated sharply over the past two years.

The full results of the survey will be available from the NFU tomorrow.