The Farmers Mart Dec-Jan 2018 - Issue 54 | Page 12

12 FARM NEWS
DEC/JAN 2018 • farmers-mart.co.uk
SHAPING THE
FUTURE OF
FARMING
What should the future of farming look like? This
was a question asked by DEFRA to members of
NFYFC (the National Federation of Young Farmers
Club). The NFYFC along with DEFRA organised a
series of events around the country to discuss
and gather the views and opinions on the
future of farming from the next generation.
THE process of leaving the EU, commonly
known as Brexit will mean that the UK will
need to develop new agriculture and envi-
ronment policies to meet the future needs
of the industry and country.
British farming already has an outstand-
ing reputation for quality and extremely
high animal husbandry standards, with
exceptional environmental protection
that’s been built by the dedication of our
farming industry. The country has a golden
opportunity to transform our food and
farming policies, as well as greatly improve
our environment, and its vital that the next
generation should be part of this process.
‘ “If we don’t step up to
steer our future course,
somebody else will,
and we might not like
where they take us”.
’
One of the key ideas brought up by
many of those attending the discussions
was the need for more education in
schools about farming and food. A great-
er understanding of the industry would
benefit both the farming community and
the consumer. Apart from education the
discussions covered several subjects that
included; boosting farm productivity, risk
management, training, skills and promoting
a British brand.
Many of those attending believed it was
vital for the next generation to be involved
in the process. They believed its funda-
mental for the younger generation to help
influence the future of farming, especially
when its them who are going to inherit that
future.
One of those attending, Sam Dilcock
commented; “If we don’t step up to steer
our future course, somebody else will, and
we might not like where
they take us.”
Some of the concerns
raised at the consultations
with DEFRA included, there
should be better access to
finance for new entrants to
establish a business from
retirees. Other issues raised
was the need to consider
vocational training for those
working in the agricultural
sector.
The environment was
another aspect that was
raised, areas such as re-
warding good soil husbandry and carbon
management, more support into upland
areas, decoupling subsidies from land
areas and channelling it into payments for
environmental stewardship and protec-
tion.
Brexit was also discussed at great length
with many hoping for a more dynamic and
efficient farming industry which is fit for
purpose. A farming industry based on good
scientific evidence and excellent husband-
ry practice that protects the environment
whilst providing an economically sustain-
able food supply for an increasing popula-
tion.
Overall the response from those attend-
ing the discussions was very positive and
the majority believed it was a valuable
experience.
Sam remarked; “It was a worthwhile ex-
ercise for all involved, although attendance
could always be better. I would like to see
‘ the majority believed
it was a valuable
experience. ’
all future policy discussed in such a way
that those effected by it get a real chance
to input into its development as much as
possible. I would like to see more events
like this.”