Baroness Minette Batters Appointed To Lead Government Review Into Farm Profitability

Former NFU president and respected farmer, Baroness Minette Batters, has been selected by the new Defra Secretary of State, Steve Reed, to lead a major review into the profitability of UK farming.

The appointment marks a key step in the government’s New Deal for Farmers, with Batters tasked with delivering a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening the financial resilience of the sector. Her review will explore short, medium and long-term actions to support on-farm profitability and sustainability, drawing on engagement with farmers, growers and relevant government departments.

Defra confirmed the review will span all land types and farming sectors across the UK, placing the experiences of farmers and growers at its heart. Batters will also work closely with Defra’s newly formed Profitability Unit and contribute to the development of the national food strategy, the farming roadmap, and the government’s Land Use Framework.

Batters, who began the six-month role on 7 April, said she was determined to uncover workable solutions.

“I will leave no stone unturned in trying to find solutions to boost farm profitability. But we should be under no illusions how difficult this work will be,” she said.

“There will not be one ‘silver bullet’ to fire but I’m hopeful this review can make a difference to a sector that produces the nation’s food, underpins the rural economy and delivers so much for the environment.”

She emphasised the importance of working collaboratively across the supply chain, stating: “I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this review and look forward to working with farmers and growers to provide recommendations to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.”

The review forms part of a wider government effort to address long-standing challenges in agriculture, including supply chain fairness, planning barriers, and renewable energy revenue opportunities.

Reed said the initiative is central to the government’s Plan for Change, which aims to revitalise the rural economy and safeguard British food production.

“Backing British farmers is the backbone of all work to support rural economic growth and boost Britain’s food security,” he said.

“We have taken strong action to protect the future of the sector with the New Deal for Farmers. But we must go further and faster… That is why I am delighted to appoint Baroness Batters, and her years of experience as a leader during a time of great change in British agriculture make her uniquely placed to provide recommendations on tackling the deep-rooted problems holding the sector back and support farmers’ long-term profits.”

As part of the government’s broader rural strategy, plans are also in motion to accelerate grid connections for farms generating surplus energy through solar and wind, and to simplify planning processes for essential agricultural buildings.

With a 25-year roadmap also under development, the government has signalled a renewed commitment to building a profitable and resilient future for British agriculture.

Source: The Scottish Farmer