Red tape the number one 'blocker' to farmer confidence, explains NFU at livestock conference

Against a backdrop of retail price wars, difficult trade conditions and a cash flow crisis resulting from poor farmgate returns and delayed Common Agricultural Policy payments, NFU Deputy President Minette Batters will today tell northern beef and sheep producers that while significant challenges remain, massive opportunities are also there for the taking.

Opening the first Northern beef and sheep conference for more than a decade, organised by the NFU in conjunction with AHDB Beef and Lamb, Ms Batters will paint a graphic picture of the challenges ahead – with red tape, supply chain practices, disease threats and product promotion the top priorities.

Saying that red tape is still the number one ‘blocker’ to farmer confidence, Ms Batters will call on the government to grapple with what is an ‘often confusing and outdated system of movement regulations’.

“2016 will see the start of the ’10 mile rule’ rollout, which will mean that moves within 10 miles of the farm will not need to be recorded or reported,” she said. “This is a fantastic win, but we still need the government to review the six day standstill before the 2018 date they are currently committed to.”

Ms Batters will also say legislation affecting other parts of the food chain is woefully inadequate and outline the need for greater regulation on abattoirs and an end to practices such as ‘rounding down’ as well as the introduction of a voluntary code of practice for sheep.

Other major challenges include the European referendum and the potential for Britain to exit the EU. Ms Batters will highlight the significance of the debate for the farming industry and call for a clear government steer on what farming policies outside the EU could look like.

In terms of opportunities, Ms Batters will focus on the importance of promotion and marketing, which she sees as ‘fundamental’ to maintain and build a strong future for the livestock sector.

As well as underlining the role of AHDB Beef and Lamb in product promotion, Ms Batters will also emphasise the importance of the Red Tractor mark. However, she will warn that more work is needed to differentiate different beef and lamb products.

“For too long we have allowed beef and lamb to be commoditised by some retailers and processors,” she said. “In their book, beef is beef and lamb is lamb.

“We must do everything possible to add value to our meat and shout much louder about our environmentally friendly production systems, centred largely on our ability to grow great quality grass.”

Looking to the future Ms Batters will welcome once again the government’s plan for a 25 year Food and Farming Strategy.

“This is very much an NFU success,” she said. “We put the need for a comprehensive food and farming plan at the heart of our Election Manifesto asks for the next government, making a clear case based on the country’s shameful 30-year decline in self-sufficiency.

“The government’s headline announcements are encouraging – with the aim of establishing robust food policies in preparation for a future predicted to see our population rise to 75 million in just 20 years.”

However, Ms Batters will also insist that some government agencies – Natural England and the Environment Agency – have a long way to go to achieve the government’s mission of working in partnership with farmers.

“Nowhere has the capricious nature of government policy been felt more than in the hills,” she said. “A generation ago farmers were paid to put in grips (drainage channels) and drain and lime the land. Today we are asked to do the exact opposite. Farming is by its very nature is long term and we need policies that set out long term goals.”