Speaking to farmers at the NFU conference in Westminster, Reed revealed new plans to deliver a profitable farming sector, while reaffirming Government’s ‘cast iron commitment’ to food production and unlocking rural growth.
British farmers have been handed a major boost under new requirements for Government catering contracts to favour high-quality and high-welfare products that local farms and producers are well placed to serve.
The move marks a major leap in achieving the Government’s ambition for at least 50% of food supplied into the £5bn public sector catering contracts to be from British producers or those certified to higher environmental standards.
Reed said: “The underlying problem is that farmers do not make enough money for the hard work and commitment they put in. I will consider my time as Secretary of State a failure if I do not improve profitability for farmers across the country. My focus is on ensuring farming becomes more profitable because that’s how we make your businesses viable for the future. And that’s how we ensure the long-term food security this country needs.”