To receive a presentation on agricultural industry in the New Forest from Sandra Nichols, NFU County Advisor.
Minutes:
The Panel received a presentation from Sandra Nichols, NFU Hampshire County Advisor, on New Forest farming and the implications of Brexit. She circulated a booklet ‘Delivering a Bold and Ambitious Future for Farming’.
The presentation covered:-
· Agricultural contribution to the economy nationally
· UK production statistics about the Forest and schemes available to farmers locally
· Brexit preparations
· Price volatility
· Improving farm productivity
· Delivering for the farm environment
· NFU’s transition period
· Key questions and future challenges and aspirations
Ms Nichols explained that the UK food self-sufficiency was now just 60%, down from 75% in 1991. There was a concern that inferior imports would compromise British trade.
Members noted details of various grants/financial support available to farmers, some of which were hard to access because of the administration involved.
It was noted that the Common Agricultural Policy was very important to the industry, although the EU was unpopular among farmers. 72% of exports currently went to the EU. The EU provided a source of migrant labour but there was already a 29% shortage. Only 0.3% of seasonal workers were from the UK. The shortage of seasonal labour was a significant concern, and the fear was that this was not being focused on by Government.
It was explained that the Common Agricultural Policy, whilst receiving negative publicity, provided affordable food and income support for farmers, as a large part of their income was from the subsidy.
Ms Nichols explained the need for a good transition period. Funding was guaranteed for this Parliament, but the current funding arrangements ended in 2019.
The Chairman thanked Ms Nichols for a very informative presentation and asked what the Council could do to assist the farming sector in the New Forest. In reply, Ms Nichols emphasised the need for the public to understand the importance of food and the farming industry, and that, although food could be imported, reliance on imports jeopardised food security for the UK. It would assist if publicity could be given to where food came from and what farmers did, to give a public relations push to illustrate the need for farmers, for food and for land management. The Leader Project was appreciated by the farming industry locally; farmers liked the scheme and approved of it, and the Council was encouraged to continue with the administrative support for it. Ms Nichols also suggested that wider lobbying could be helpful to recognise the importance of supporting farming and recognising that it was a strategic industry.
Members asked questions concerning models in other countries, meat imports and exports statistics and larger grants given to larger farms.
The Chairman felt it was important for the Council to support the industry and would talk to the Business Support Officer about the issues mentioned, particularly promoting exports, to ensure NFDC did what it could to help. The Leader of the Council echoed the Chairman’s comments and added that land management in the Forest was an important part of New Forest tourism. He felt the Council should do all it could to support the industry.