The Government have announced a raft of measures to free farmers from ’unnecessary burdens’ to help their businesses become more efficient and so provide a boost to the economy.
Mr Paice, the Farming Minister, made the pledge in launching the Government’s full response to Farming Regulation Task Force, in which he committed to take action on 86 per cent of the independent panel’s original recommendations.
Key commitments include:
A pilot to increase data sharing between government agencies that if successful will be extended, leading to less form filling;
Closer industry involvement in the policy making process to look for non-regulatory approaches wherever possible, and a Defra-NFU staff exchange programme starting in April;
Simplifying messages to farmers about environmental protection rules so they know exactly what they have to do to comply;
Fewer inspections for farmers who already meet high environmental and animal welfare standards, as a result of NFU-led regional networks co-ordinating Government agencies, local councils and assurance scheme providers.
Andrew Heskin, a partner in Moore Thompson’s Farming Sector team, said: ’Cutting red tape is a must to boost business in the farming sector.
’Many of my clients are unnecessarily burdened by bureaucracy which is holding back growth. Freeing them will help drive the economic recovery, which is being led by the growth in the agricultural sector.
’I welcome the Government’s pledge for more multi-agency co-operation, closer industry involvement in decision making and less inspections for farmers already operating at a high standard.’
Farming Minister Jim Paice said: ’With rising global demand for food, farmers and their skills are in huge demand, which brings business opportunities. The response to the Farming Regulation Taskforce commits to clear actions that will make it easier for farmers to get on with their jobs and make the most of those opportunities.’
Being at the heart of the Fens, Moore Thompson has always provided specialist accountancy advice to agricultural and horticultural businesses with an agricultural team that knows the farming business inside and out.
