The National Farmers Union (NFU) is voicing strong disapproval towards the UK government’s handling of agricultural budgets. This criticism centers around an underspend of £358 million by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) over three years. Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, has called this financial oversight a significant setback for farmers. The underspend occurs amidst a backdrop of rural financial instability. Discussions are underway to address the affected funding programs.
The National Farmers Union has expressed staunch disapproval over the UK government’s failure to adequately utilize agricultural funds. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) reportedly left £358 million of its budget unspent over a span of three years. Tom Bradshaw, the president of the NFU, described this situation as “nothing short of a kick in the teeth to farmers and growers” who have endured significant challenges, including financial instability and uncertainty during the agricultural transition period.
The underspend is of particular concern as it coincides with the discontinuation of the Basic Payment Scheme in 2023, a move that was supposed to be counterbalanced by new financial schemes. However, many of these programs have yet to materialize, leaving the savings from the Basic Payment Scheme reductions unused.
Bradshaw underscored that the situation did not arise from a lack of necessity for investment. He stressed that for years, the NFU has advocated for the establishment of new schemes prior to any reductions in the existing financial support systems to prevent precisely such outcomes. This delay has left vital funds unutilized at a time when the agricultural sector is in dire need of support.
In response, the NFU is urging the government to carry over the unspent funds into the next fiscal period. This appeal aims to ensure that the funds are finally directed towards their intended purposes, thereby aiding farmers struggling through these economically trying times.
Further complicating the issue is the recent appointment of Steve Reed as the new Defra Secretary of State. Earlier discussions between Bradshaw and Reed emphasized immediate actions required to support the British food and farming sectors, highlighting the necessity for a robust budget that facilitates critical investments.
The NFU continues to call for urgent action to ensure agricultural funds are effectively utilized to support farmers facing challenging economic conditions.
