Horticulture is still very much at the government’s agenda despite the imminent spending cuts, the National Farmers’ Union has told growers.
The recent change of government will present a number of opportunities and challenges for the horticulture industry, NFU director general Kevin Roberts told growers at the annual British Tomato Growers Association (TGA) conference in Coventry.
Roberts told delegates that although the government’s spending review will undoubtedly result in budget cuts at DEFRA, it is pleasing to see that farming and growing is back at the top of the agenda.
Roberts said: “The new coalition government has difficult choices to make on spending priorities. We have no knowledge of what is likely to be in the package of cuts. But our clear message to DEFRA ministers is, protect the horticulture sector’s competitiveness. This is central to the challenge we’re all facing and the NFU will continue talking to and working with government departments and agencies to ensure that whatever policies are implemented they enhance that competitiveness.
“We urge the government not to cut R&D and indeed increase the proportion of applied research. Clearly we see agricultural and horticultural research as the key to improving yields, productivity and returns in the future. The Structural Reform Plan includes implementing the Taylor Review on Scientific Research in Agriculture and we will press the government to deliver on the review’s recommendations; remove barriers to investment, encourage private sector investment and promote the role of the levy boards.
Roberts told delegates that the Fruit and Vegetable Task Force has achieved a significant amount in the last 10 months and the key is to now maintain momentum and move forward with the implementation of the proposals as soon as possible.
Measures being looked at are improving skills within the workforce, expanding market opportunities and improving relationships with the supply chain. These will all help drive consumption and improve competitiveness and are a step in the right direction.
“However, one major challenge we all face is an increase in the local delivery of decision-making. Although this is attractive to farmers and growers it is essential that any localism policy should be led by robust planning guidelines.”
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