Last month, the AFCP AGM was addressed by AFCP Patron, Lord Curry of Kirkharle who highlighted  some of the challenges and opportunities for UK agriculture.

As the Agricultural Transition continues, uncertainty remains high given that we don’t know the    destination of policy. Historically, since the Second World War, policy has swung like a pendulum  between food production and environment. It is clear there is a need to balance these two potential extremes.

The new Government has indicated that food security is important for national security, but there is no answer yet for what that will mean in practice. There are significant competing land pressures, including for food production, environment, housing, and infrastructure projects. Currently there is nothing which indicates the relative priorities for these. The Government commitment to produce a Land Use Framework could help with this if the Government is held to account on it.

Alongside future policy, the engagement with education should continue to be a priority. Through schools, a wider understanding of the importance of food and food production can be supported, alongside supporting the economy, health and careers over the longer term.

An interesting consideration was the potential effect of UK science research which could be incentivised by the application of work rather than/in addition to publication of papers.

Moving forwards, the agricultural industry needs a clear vision, alongside a focus on skills, science and investment, coupled with consideration of existing and future trade deals.