Savills explains government's Farming Roadmap for England

The government recently published its Farming Roadmap for England – bringing together its long-term strategies, reforms and commitments for the sector.

The document sets out a framework for a profitable, productive, resilient and sustainable industry, outlining where progress has been made and where more needs to be done.

Integrated approach

The roadmap confirms food is one of the UK’s critical national infrastructure sectors. Meanwhile, the Defra Nature Security Assessment identified that ecosystem degradation leads to significant risk to food production.

The future must therefore be an integrated approach to food production and environmental protection and recovery.

William Hargreaves, who leads the rural agency team for Savills in the East of England (Image: RMG Photography)

Collaboration

The roadmap looks to bring together several existing requirements related to climate change, environmental improvements, land use and food production.

Having all these in one place is vital for collaboration; however, the direction of travel seems to be increased regulation to meet targets. There does, though, appear to be greater emphasis on cross-government working which will be important moving forward.

Ambition

The aim of the Farming Roadmap is to have profitable farms that maintain food production and provide fair rewards for farmers, while creating good jobs and clear career paths alongside helping to restore nature, meet climate goals and contribute to the economy.

To that end, the government has agreed to set clear guidance and ensure markets function effectively and fairly, provide long-term certainty and incentives, and embed established approaches into regulation.

However, the roadmap states that as sustainable practices increase, support will be withdrawn where it is no longer needed.

While this feels practical, there are questions around how and where this help will be re-directed.

Summary

The agricultural sector has long called for the ability to lead itself and now has an opportunity to do just that.

Delivery will be ongoing, as will discussions with farmers and stakeholders. By collectively working with government and others, the roadmap is hopefully one the industry can get behind and drive forward.

For advice on the rural sector in Suffolk, please contact William Hargreaves on 01473 234802 or email WHargreaves@savills.com