An East Anglian landowners’ leader has called on the government to explain how it is planning to pump-prime research, development and training to boost farming productivity and profitability.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) East regional director Ben Underwood said action needed to be taken to tackle some of the key issues facing the industry.

“Much of the responsibility for improving profitable farming falls on individual business owners, but trust and certainty in the right policy framework that addresses some of the current issues will create the confidence for change and investment,” he said.

“Tax incentives through grants and loans for example that encourage investment in technology to improve productivity will ensure the sector continues to have a highly skilled and professional workforce for the future.”

However, farming and the broader rural economy continued to be held back by poor mobile and broadband connectivity, as well as planning rules which hold back business expansion plan and a lack of housing, he said.

“We are currently experiencing a time of great uncertainty, which could, if overseen well produce exciting opportunities. In order for these to be maximised though there must be action to tackle some of the key issues faced in farming today.”