Greg Smith MP has welcomed new support for British farmers set out at the UK Farm to Fork Summit today.
Representatives from the whole food supply chain came together at 10 Downing Street for the summit, to identify further opportunities to boost growth, drive innovation and improve sustainability. The summit fulfils a commitment made by the Prime Minister last summer.
Greg Smith MP said, “Buckinghamshire farmers work hard around the clock to keep great quality food on our plates, so it’s good to see the Prime Minister hosting this important summit today. Our farmers are the engine of our rural economy, bringing jobs and opportunity to Buckinghamshire. I welcome the new support announced today and the chance to join the Prime Minister before the summit to raise a number of issues facing UK farming, including protecting land used for food production from development and need for simplicity and clarity in SFI applications to increase uptake.”
Ahead of the Summit, government confirmed a range of further new measures to help strengthen the long-term resilience and sustainability of the sector. Announcements include:
- The Prime Minister set out a new framework for trade negotiations: putting farmers’ interests at the heart of trade policy, committing to protect the UK’s high food and welfare standards and prioritise new export opportunities.
- £5.6 million additional spending to boost exports of great British food around the world: increasing global trade shows and missions, expanding the successful GREAT food and drink campaign, extending the Seafood Exports Package, and providing a bespoke export fund for the dairy sector.
- £30 million to build on the new Genetic Technology Act: driving forward the use of precision breeding technologies and convening a working group to help produce from farms to the shelves.
- Using new powers to make sure farmers get a fair price for their produce in the egg and horticulture sectors: Following progress in the reviews of the dairy and pig supply chains utilising powers in the Agriculture Act, the next reviews will take place in the egg and horticulture sectors.
- Confirming the future of support for horticulture: Confirming we will improve future support for horticulture by replacing the retained EU Fruit and Vegetable Producer Organisation Scheme when it closes in 2026 with an expanded offer as part of our new farming payment schemes.
Farming Secretary Thérèse Coffey said: “Our British farmers and food producers are the backbone of the rural economy and crucial to our food security. We want to promote growth, investment and put more UK food and drink on plates – both at home and abroad.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “I will always back British farmers, and I pay tribute to their hard work and dedication all year round which keeps shelves stocked and food on our tables. Supporting our farmers and food producers must, and always will be, at the heart of our plans to grow the economy and build a more prosperous country. That’s why I’m proud to host this summit, and working together, I’m determined to build resilience, strengthen our food security and champion the best of British at home and overseas.”
NFU President Minette Batters said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Prime Minister has honoured the commitments he made when he addressed our hustings event back in the summer to hold this food summit at Number 10, and we welcome the announcements made today. They show a recognition and an understanding of the strategic importance of British food and farming to the nation.
“These actions recognise the importance of coordinated action across government to support confidence, investment and growth in British food. We look forward to working with the Prime Minister, the Defra Secretary and the rest of the cabinet to Back British farming and bolster our domestic food security.”
UK Hospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “It’s fantastic that the Prime Minister is convening the breadth of the food supply chain, from farm to fork, at his summit today and showcasing our superb hospitality offering here in the UK to highlight iconic produce and brands.
“Hospitality in the UK is recognised as one of the finest in the world and is frequently the launchpad to propel British products and brands to markets abroad. Further investment into the GREAT campaign is welcome news and, in addition to boosting exports, will help to promote the UK as a tourist destination and boost our hospitality venues.
“Hospitality plays a huge role in keeping the nation fed, whether it be through our restaurants and pubs or public sector catering in schools, hospitals and the armed forces, and I’m looking forward to discussing how we can all work together to overcome current challenges and grasp future opportunities.”
