Major investment announced for the UK agriculture and food sector

British farming and food industries have received a major boost, with the Government announcing significant support.

The package of measures announced by the Prime Minister at the Farm to Fork Summit will support workers in the UK agricultural sector to improve national food security, introduce technological innovation, increase economic growth and nurture the next generation of agriculture and food leaders.

A new development plan for the UK’s fruit and veg sector has also been unveiled, setting out how industry and government will work together to boost food production and boost investment in the sector, which contributes more than £4 billion to the country’s economy.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: “Food security is crucial to our national security and that is why today’s summit is so important, as it brings together the Government and key representatives of the agriculture and food sectors in Downing Street.

“Today’s announcements will accelerate the development of our horticultural sector, supporting the construction of state-of-the-art greenhouses and innovative growing techniques to keep British fruit and vegetables on our plates all year round.

“We will continue to invest in farmers and support them to produce the best British food to strengthen our food security while supporting innovation in this sector.”

Development of the agricultural and food sector in Great Britain

The government says its new plan will give industry access to affordable, sustainable energy and water and cut planning bureaucracy, making it faster and easier to build greenhouses.

It also includes significant investment to boost innovation, with Defra aiming to double the amount of funding given to horticultural businesses by up to £80 million compared to the existing EU fruit and vegetable aid scheme.

Expanded Agricultural Recovery Fund

The government will expand the scope of the Agricultural Recovery Fund to help flood-affected farmers.

Temporary adjustments will be made for farmers and land managers who are struggling to comply with environmental land management programs due to wet weather conditions.

Financing for internal drainage slabs

An additional £75m will be allocated to internal drainage boards (IDBs) to speed recovery from the winter storms in 2023-24.

This funding will also provide opportunities to upgrade and modernize assets, increasing the resilience of farms and rural communities.

Ensuring fairness in the food supply chain

To promote fairness throughout the food supply chain, the government will implement legislation to improve equity in the fresh produce and egg sectors.

Agriculture Secretary Mark Spencer added: “This Government will always support British farmers. Food production is the primary purpose of agriculture, and our farmers and food producers are working hard to keep the nation fed despite challenges, including flooding.

“Supporting our farmers and food producers is at the heart of our plans and we are committed to working with them.

“We are continuing to deliver on our plan by investing in food security and resilient agricultural businesses, providing business advice and cutting unnecessary red tape.

These are exciting times and we are investing in innovation, providing the sector with the workforce it needs, further strengthening integrity in the supply chain and ensuring the sector attracts the best and brightest.”