The UK Government will “always back British farmers”, the new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has vowed, as he also unveiled a further £45 million for farming innovation today (Thursday, November 30).
In his first major speech to farmers since he was appointed to the job earlier this month, Steve Barclay told the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) conference in London today, that British farmers produce “some of the highest quality food in the world, and contribute billions to our economy”.
The environment secretary also said that the UK “owed a debt of gratitude” to British farmers for “taking care of our countryside”
Barclay set out his “vision for an innovative and productive agriculture sector” at the CLA conference which he said involved supporting the sector to develop “into a more sustainable and profitable industry”.
He told the audience that he wants to “empower more and burden less” when it comes to supporting the farming and agriculture sector.
Also at the conference the CLA president, Victoria Vyvyan, said it was important that the “next generation” coming forward in the agriculture sector was supported and that the organisation had its “feet in the soil and our eyes resolutely set on the future” to find solutions.
Grants
The environment secretary today announced a further £45 million in competitions and grants, which will open in the coming weeks as part of the UK Government’s £168 million investment programme to support farmers to “foster innovation, boost productivity and improve animal welfare”.
This includes £30 million available in the second round of the Improving Farming Productivity Grant, which will provide capital grants of between £25,000 – £500,000 towards robotic and automatic equipment, with further funding potentially available depending on levels of interest.
There will also be grants on offer of between £15,000 and £100,000 towards solar equipment which can be fitted on rooftops and float on irrigation reservoirs.
In addition to this, there will be almost £8 million available in the third round of the Large Research and Development Partnership – a competition specifically designed to boost industrial research and experimental development projects.
A further £850,000 will be on offer through the Research Starter Round 4 competition to identify and accelerate new agricultural solutions, funding growers or foresters.
According to the environment secretary this funding will support farmers to become “more efficient and production” and ensure they have the knowledge and tools to maintain high degrees of food security.
Barclay today also launched the third round of the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) at the CLA conference with individual grants of up to £100,000 on offer from a total £5 million.
The NEIRF grants can be used to help farmers blend “public and private investment” – scheme participants can earn income from public and private sector sources for projects such as carbon sequestration or payments for natural flood management.
