The cricket-loving minister for sustainable food and farming with Defra has only been in the job for a matter of months, having taken over from Lord Larry Whitty, but he has clear aims about what he wants to achieve in his position.
“My priorities are to make sure that the supply chain works well, to ensure that there’s a good environment for business, and that suppliers get a fair deal.”
The former lawyer says horticulture is something that forms a vital part of his responsibilities. “It’s a very important part of my brief, and one that I take very seriously. It’s an important industry, and I think the figure that emphasises this is that horticulture, along with potatoes, accounts for a fifth of the value of the entire agriculture sector.”
Despite any difficulties the industry might be currently experiencing, he feels there is an optimistic air throughout the business. “It’s a successful industry and the fact that it has never had to rely on price support, unlike other agricultural sectors, is to its advantage now that the system is about to end.”
As a result, he sees the sector as healthy and robust: “Horticulture is able to look after itself, it knows what competition really is.”
When it comes to competing, he is also keen to see the industry take on the competition internationally, not just on home turf: “I want to see a successful UK market, but I want to see the market export, but we have to be ready to compete with imports too, that’s what free trade means. I want the industry to be strong enough, and sustainable enough to be able to compete with the best that’s coming in.”
To achieve those aims, Lord Bach has certainly got his work cut out and there are a number of initiatives under way that he is keeping his eye on.
One of the burning questions, particularly for the fresh produce industry, is the future of New Covent Garden Market, something that falls under the new minister’s remit.
“I’m taking quite an interest in it,” he says. “PricewaterhouseCoopers have been asked to conduct a study and report on the way forward. The principle of the market is that it’s the larder of London and it’s very important what the consultants come up with.”
The report is expected to be due later in the autumn, and Lord Bach says he is looking forward to reading its findings. “There’s a new chairman on board at the authority and I’ve been working closely with her and the board and we’re all determined to find a solution to the problem. London requires it and so do those who work at Covent Garden themselves.”
At the moment he refuses to be drawn on speculation over the various options open to the market. “I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s suggestions on the issue, including ones from the tenants which I’m sure the authority and ministers will listen to.
“But at the moment, I’ve formed no opinion, I’m waiting to see what PwC come back with. There’s a certain urgency with this, we do have to move forward as quickly as we can, but we must try and do the right thing.”
He’s keen to assure the industry the government stance on the market has not changed: “We just want to do the right thing and look at all the options.”
Another area under scrutiny during Lord Bach’s reign will be the levy boards, including the British Potato Council and Horticulture Development Council.
“We have instigated a review of these boards which will report later in the year,” he says. “We’re considering their future and we’ve asked independent people to look at it and report back.
“I don’t have any particular opinions on the issue; after all, it would be ridiculous to set up a review and have decided my opinions on it. We’re looking forward to seeing what the review says.”
However, he says he has been pleased with the way the various groups have responded positively to the process.
The issues in the labour market are also something he is keen to see resolved. He accepts that migrant labour is vital for the fresh produce industry: “There’s no doubt they play a vital role and the SAWS scheme has been an important service for the industry.”
He hopes the new Gangmaster Licensing Authority will have a significant impact on the criminal element in that arena. “The GLA will have an important role to play, and a lot of work has gone into that. I think it will be effective, I think it will be an important part of combating what was a flaw in the system.”
There is no doubting that the fresh produce sector is a tough market, and that is something he acknowledges. “The sector is facing difficulties, with rising energy prices and costs, but I believe that, with its business experience, it will be able to cope.
“There’s been some good growth in the horticulture sector over the last 10 years,” he says, pointing to the success story of the soft-fruit sector. “Soft fruit is now extremely popular and there has been excellent growth there.”
He says Defra’s role is to be there to help and advise, but the sector should not expect a helping hand: “The people in the industry are business people, they know how business works, and they don’t look to the government to bail them out.”
He points to the investments Defra is making into research and development. “We’re spending over £10 million in the field of horticulture, and I think that’s money well spent.”
As his job title suggests, a significant area of interest for the minister (other than Leicester City) is sustainability. His department is doing a considerable amount of work in this area, particularly when it comes to fresh produce. “Our Food Industry Sustainability Strategy applies to horticulture as much as it applies to anything else.
“I want to help have a sustainable farming and food policy, and by sustainable I mean one that’s good for this generation and also for future generations.”
He says the impact of supermarkets has changed the nature of the fresh produce industry, but while it is important the industry responds to the challenges before it, the supply chain must work as a whole: “It’s important that the supply chain be as efficient and competitive as possible. The various parts of the chain depend on each other and relationships are crucial. There’s some work to be done on that.”
Overall, he has the best interests of the sector at heart, but recognises he is still finding his feet and has a long way to go: “I’m still new and I’m still learning.”
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