Last week saw the first Farming & Food Partnership Board meeting take place.
Building on Baroness Batters’ Farm Profitability Review, the Board will put farm productivity and profitability at the centre of decision-making, champion homegrown produce and strengthen the nation’s supply chain.
Chaired by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle as Deputy Chair, the Board brings government and industry together to drive a more productive, profitable, and resilient food system.
Representatives from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, Agricultural Industries Confederation, British Retail Consortium, Food & Drink Federation, Institute of Grocery Distribution, National Farmers’ Union, and UK Hospitality met for the first time to shape the Board’s mission, ways of working and Sector Growth Plans. Their input will inform its future membership and priorities.
Early work will focus on targeted Sector Growth Plans, led by industry and co-designed with government, to tackle barriers to growth, unlock investment, accelerate technology uptake, and boost farm returns.