Agriculture Budget: Farming

It’s not just because I came from a farming background here in West Cornwall that I see our farmers as a foundation of our rural communities and key partners in the aims of enhancing our environment and feeding our country.

Farming must be at the heart of any government strategy for economic growth, climate resilience, and food security. The current agricultural budget has largely remained unchanged since 2007 and does not reflect the scale of the challenges ahead.

Unfortunately, the former Conservative government failed British farmers, botched the transition from the old Basic Payment (BPS) to the new Environment Land Management Scheme (ELMs). My Liberal Democrat parliamentary colleagues and I would have committed to instead back British farmers, by ensuring British standards are protected in trade deals and by increasing support payments.

I also agree that, to restore confidence, the government must commit to a multi-year budget settlement.  Farming is a long-term industry, and short-term funding decisions create uncertainty, making it harder for farmers to plan and invest. I will press the government to honour its commitment to a genuine partnership with farming communities, ensuring policies are shaped with respect for those who work the land. As you know, we will continue to oppose the government’s proposed increase in inheritance tax.