On the occasion of Back British Farming Day, Food and Farming Secretary Thérèse Coffey announced a comprehensive package aimed at bolstering the British farming sector and encouraging consumers to "buy British."
A Multi-Pronged Approach
The government's initiative builds on its commitment to produce 60% of the food consumed in the UK domestically. It aims to strengthen the country's £127 billion food and farming sector by endorsing the taste and quality of home-grown meat and dairy products. Coffey backed industry-led actions to guide online shoppers towards British products and confirmed that farmers participating in environmental land management schemes would meet public procurement standards.
Unlocking New Markets
In a move to globalize British produce, the government has initiated a recruitment drive for five additional agri-food attaches. This step aims to open new trading markets and further boost the UK's food and drink exports, which already contribute £24 billion to the British economy.
Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023
The government is also launching the new and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive for 2023, which offers 23 actions for farmers. In light of rising inflation and input costs, farmers who enrol in this scheme before the end of the year will receive accelerated payments to aid their cash flow.
A Focus on Innovation
An additional £30 million has been allocated for farmers to invest in automated, robotic, and solar technologies. This investment is part of the government's broader strategy to increase productivity and accelerate progress towards net zero emissions.
Farming Minister Mark Spencer expressed his continued commitment to supporting British farmers and growers. "Our flexible new farming schemes and continued investment in technology are already delivering positive outcomes for domestic food production and the environment," he said.