67% of farmers lack confidence in the way forward for meals manufacturing – survey

Over two-thirds (67%) of British farmers aren’t assured about the way forward for British meals manufacturing, in line with a brand new survey.

The survey, performed by agri-tech enterprise Hectare, concerned over 500 livestock and arable farmers within the UK.

The farmers had enchancment doubts associated to all features of the UK’s meals manufacturing trade, together with meals inflation, authorities assist schemes and excessive enter prices.

Just one in 10 livestock farmers predicted manufacturing to extend as inflationary pressures ease, and an extra 14% of beef, sheep and poultry farmers are involved inflation charges will rise even larger than their current peak.

26% of livestock farmers and 33% of grain farmers stated the dearth of readability round new authorities assist scheme changing the EU Primary Cost Scheme (BPS) was their greatest concern.

Moreover, 12% of all farmers surveyed stated they’re “nervous” in regards to the ending of the EU BPS, with 15% of grain farmers specifically involved about difficulties in forecasting their cashflow over the subsequent 12 months.  

Co-founder of Hectare, Andrew Huxham, stated the insecurity farmers have for the way forward for meals manufacturing is unsurprising given the present points the sector is going through.

“It’s not stunning British farmers lack confidence in the way forward for meals manufacturing – it’s been an unsure few years for everybody concerned,” he stated.

“Undoubtedly, many are feeling weak submit Brexit now the EU Primary Funds Scheme – seen by many as a base revenue which helps them climate the peaks and troughs inherent in agriculture – is being phased out.

“Commerce offers with international locations like Australia and Canada have additionally raised questions round equity for British farmers, and find out how to safe high quality and provenance when sourcing massive portions of our produce from abroad.” 

Meals manufacturing

Huxham urged farmers to not lose hope but, as he stated he does see trigger for higher farmer confidence within the UK’s skill to supply meals sooner or later.

“UK farmers needs to be assured in regards to the future – good meals manufacturing requires an actual want to supply high quality meals in a sustainable approach that enhances the atmosphere, and farmers are doing a extremely good job of this already,” he stated.

“British farmers are very conscious of the delicate atmosphere and decline of species and habitats which has occurred over the many years – they care deeply in regards to the atmosphere and know there are extra methods to extend sustainability measures to safe the way forward for home meals manufacturing, whereas defending and enhancing the atmosphere for future generations.” 

Hectare stated this want to extend sustainability measures to safe the way forward for meals manufacturing is already being mirrored within the “ever-increasing” client consciousness of the place their meals comes from and its environmental impression.