Following significant lobbying from the NFU, the Government has committed to a consultation on safeguarding agricultural land for food production.
The NFU has been working with Greg Smith MP to table amendments to the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill, which would require the Government to consider the impact of future legislation on food production.
The move is a crucial milestone for British farming as the NFU continues to urge the government to put in place a statutory underpinning of food production.
This would look to maintain current levels of self-sufficiency alongside an international trade strategy that enables agriculture to achieve the NFU’s ambition of growing our food and drink exports by 30% by 2030.
Minister for Housing and Homelessness Felicity Buchan MP, has written to Greg Smith outlining the department’s intention to consult further on the basis of protection in national policy for agricultural land.
The consultation plans will ensure the importance of food security is recognised alongside imperatives such as energy security.
NFU President Minette Batters said: “This consultation is a much needed step in ensuring food security is factored in to all local plans, and shapes the future of agricultural land use.”
