The Farmers Mart Oct/Nov 2016 - Issue 48 | Page 4

From The Editor
‘ Driving today’ s agricultural revolution’ will be the theme of Agribusiness 2017, the Agricultural Industries Confederation( AIC) Annual Conference which will take place on 23 November at the East of England Showground.
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JOHN KELLEY, AIC’ S CHIEF Operating Officer said:“ Agriculture, like many sectors of the UK and global economy, is going through a huge transition. Whether it’ s internal processes or the changing external environment, business must lead and react to secure on-going success.
“ Agriculture’ s green revolution has been surpassed, now we face the‘ digital revolution’. There is much talk of‘ Big Data’ within agriculture, and this will continue to revolutionise business. The constant challenge is keeping up with innovative technologies and products as they enter the agrisupply chain.
“ In addition, BREXIT and the renegotiations with the EU will
be a key feature that shapes the future of agriculture and agribusiness in the UK.
NICK HEADS UP BREXIT FOR NFU
Nick von Westenholz, a trained barrister, will head the Brexit unit at the National Farmers Union( NFU) as it moves to strengthen and extend its political reach following the UK public’ s decision to leave the EU.
Von Westenholz, currently CEO of the Crop Protection Association, joins the NFU as director of EU exit and international trade. His remit is to ensure a co-ordinated and constant presence in the NFU’ s Brexit conversations with government.
The new Brexit team is part of the NFU’ s strategy to refocus and strengthen its government and external affairs teams in London. It aims to ensure it positions itself effectively to represent its 46,000 farmer and grower members amid all-important Brexit negotiations.
“ We have made no secret of our determination to seize opportunities offered by forthcoming Brexit deals to ensure British farming has a profitable and productive future,” said NFU director general Terry Jones.
“ Farming and food production is politically and strategically important for the UK. Farming provides the raw
ingredients for the UK’ s food and drink sector worth £ 108 billion, supporting 3.9 million jobs for people nation-wide as well as delivering high quality, traceable food for a growing population.
“ In the coming weeks and months ahead it is essential that food and farming is front and centre of any talks about the UK’ s relationship with Europe and the rest of the world. I am confident the building blocks being put in place now will ensure the NFU is able to work with the two new government departments, Exiting the EU and International Trade.”

YOUNG FARMERS CALL FOR MORE FINANCIAL BACKING FOR FARM BUSINESSES POST BREXIT

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A LACK OF FINANCIAL BACKING FOR young farmers was highlighted as a major inhibitor for young people wanting to get into farming in the next five years, post-Brexit, an online consultation by the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs( NFYFC) found.
The survey ¬–‘ Considerations for a Future British Agricultural Policy’ – gathered views from young people involved in farming following the decision this summer for Britain to leave the European Union. Topics covered included future farm business culture; employment skills and training; farming regulations; building farm businesses; and farming subsidies. A desire for parity with the EU on animal welfare legislation and maintenance of effective environmental conditions were key considerations for future farming.
NFYFC office holders will discuss the survey results with Defra so that young people’ s views are considered as part of a future British Agricultural Policy.
NFYFC’ s Agricultural and Rural Issues Chairman Sam Dilcock said:“ Getting started in farming has many challenges. We’ ve now got the Land Partnerships
Sam Dilcock
Service, to help bring together farmers and land with new entrants and business ideas, which is great. But we need to look at short- and long-term finance too – which are especially big barriers to new entrants.”
Chairman Lynsey Martin said:“ If the subsidy system is supposed to help farming become more dynamic, to contribute public goods and benefits, then it might do this better if it were not so inextricably tied to land ownership but instead addressed the business needs of established farmers and new entrants alike.”
Vice Chair Ed Ford said:“ Modern farming equipment requires people with the practical skills as well as the education and understanding to use state-of-the-art machinery. The aging population of farm workers and the perception of careers and opportunities within the industry are still issues that detract from the sector.”
4 Oct / Nov 2016 www. farmers-mart. co. uk