Amy Cowdell, partner of Langleys, reviews the National Farmers Union and the Rural Payments Agency

With the tide set for 2021 being the time for revolutionary change to the agricultural sector, it is no surprise that the National Farmers Union (NFU) and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) have both published reports late February on how they can support and nurture such change.

The NFU’s report highlights the importance of “levelling up rural Britain”, meaning that no one should be disadvantaged in life and work by where they live.

It is not just about the north/south divide, but also about the urban/rural divide.

In addition, the report helps to show how the rural community can lead the way in regenerating Britain in the aftermath of covid.

The NFU is of a firm belief that if covid-19 has taught us anything it is that we must work together as one nation to achieve a collaborative approach to improving where we live.

In her inspirational introduction to the report Minette Batters, president of the NFU, writes: “By working together to make the most of the opportunities that we have ­— by creating jobs, boosting green economic growth, increasing exports and improving the well-being of the population ­— we can build a better Britain and level up the entire country, so no one is disadvantaged by where they live or where their business is based.”

She states: “Farming ­— and rural Britain ­— can provide solutions to many of the challenges we face, and I hope this report will inspire, invigorate and empower a new, ambitious and revolutionary approach to rural Britain.”

The report showcases certain key areas that will help stimulate Britain’s growth and well-being, such as building a world class British food brand, at home and abroad; climate smart farming; diversification and reforming the planning policy in rural areas; promoting the benefit of rural wellbeing and improving telecommunications across rural Britain.

Reforming planning policy is an interesting one and one to which it is hoped the government will listen.

If the planning regime limits what it allows in rural areas to the extent that it has done in the past this will inevitably have the impact of stifling growth and economic development on farms.

We all know that diversification now plays a key part in many sustainable and profitable farming businesses and so having a planning policy that is fit for purpose is essential.

While these topics are not new nor ground-breaking, the report brings them together breeding life into the Agriculture Act and the Environment Bill, creating inspiration to our farming businesses and rural communities.

UK farming businesses have a vital role to play in levelling up Britain, as well as hitting the zero-carbon target and the report helps to highlight this view.

February also saw the launch of the Rural Payments Agency five-year strategy.

The overriding purpose of the agency is helping agricultural and rural communities to create a better place to live. To create a resilient and sustainable model for farming, with animal welfare at the heart, that will lead the way on the world stage.

The RPA’s plan is to dramatically change the way it operates with its customers by becoming a partnership-based structure, working together with farmers, stakeholders and government.

It is now the custodian of the public purse in the agricultural arena and it appears it is stepping up its game.

The aim is to support farmers through the agricultural transition, while protecting and enhancing the environment and supporting net zero.

The report reads: “As we approach the biggest shift in agricultural support in over 70 years, we are already investing heavily to simplify existing schemes, which we will continue to deliver until their conclusion.”

The enormity of the task should not be underestimated and only time will tell if the agency can pull this off.