News in brief: November 2022

The rain has finally arrived for many landowners – perhaps not sufficient to refill all reservoirs and re-balance the drought conditions seen over the past six months, but enough to give autumn-sown crops the enthusiasm to progress before winter.

It signifies a step towards normality in terms of weather at a time when the world of politics, policy and economics is anything but normal. Here are a few rural angles on the national stories farm and estate owners will be watching this month.   

Prime Minister steps down

Several tumultuous weeks in politics culminated in Liz Truss stepping down as Prime Minister after just 45 days. She was replaced by Rishi Sunak, who has an extensive to-do list – just one of his government’s many tasks will be providing the agricultural industry with a clear route forward, after Defra announced it would be reviewing ELM. 

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “Farmers across the UK have been struggling for the past 12 months with severely increased costs sometimes up to 150% over what they were paying for inputs before the war in Ukraine. This, coupled with little assurance or direction on future farming schemes and policy is making it incredibly difficult for farm businesses across the country to survive without building significant debt over the next six months.” 

Diversification delays

 Many farmers are waiting for government clarity before embarking on new diversification projects, this year’s NFU Mutual diversification study shows. The annual survey reveals that, although many farmers have diversified to boost farm income (46%), many are holding off as they wait to see what impact the cost-of-living crisis will have. The crisis could also change which diversification farmers opt for; 72% believe renewables are likely to be the enterprise that proves the most successful in the future. 

Chris Walsh, NFU Mutual farm insurance specialist, says: “For new ventures involving the public, such as holiday accommodation, food processing and retailing, it’s now vital to assess the likely impact of the cost-of-living crisis on public spending.” 

Call for evidence

 The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Rural Business and the Rural Powerhouse is calling for evidence from across the rural economy to establish the effects the cost-of-living crisis is having on businesses and communities in the countryside. As inflation climbs and energy prices soar, rural areas are badly affected, but often overlooked. 

Julian Sturdy MP (York Outer), co-chair of the APPG, says: “This inquiry couldn’t be more timely. To understand the true effects of the cost-of-living crisis on rural communities, we need to hear from businesses and individuals alike. I strongly encourage anyone with any interest in the countryside, its businesses and communities to submit evidence to this report to ensure we build the most accurate picture possible to present to the government.” 

Help for young aspiring farmers 

The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s new initiative, Opening the Gate, hopes to provide young aspiring farmers with the confidence and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. Research carried out by the Prince’s Countryside Fund and Aldi UK revealed that knowledge exchange and development opportunities for people wanting to enter the farming industry are lacking. 

The initiative will offer free workshops as well as online resources. Keith Halstead, executive director of the Prince’s Countryside Fund, says: “The Opening the Gate programme will equip young people with the networks, resources and expertise to ensure sustainable and viable farming enterprises for the future.” 

Avian influenza increase

 A mandatory poultry hosing order has been enforced across England in a bid to control the UK’s worst-ever bird flu outbreak. The measure, announced by the UK’s Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss on 31 October and implemented on 7 November, requires all poultry farmers and keepers to ensure their birds remain indoors and follow strict biosecurity measures. 

“Scrupulous biosecurity and separating flocks in all ways, from wild birds remain the best form of defence,” Ms Middlemiss says. “Whether you keep just a few birds or thousands, from Monday 7 November onwards you must keep your indoors. This decision has not been taken lightly, but is the best way to protect your birds from this highly infectious disease.” 

Since October 2021, more than 200 cases of bird flu have been confirmed in the UK, making it the worst outbreak to date.