Labour MPs urge government to boost farm profitability

A group of Labour MPs has launched a campaign urging their own government to boost farm profitability.

The Labour Rural Research Group, representing more than 40 Labour rural-based MPs, is calling for action to boost slim profit margins in the industry.

It wants to see the introduction of "honest labelling", as well as a "level playing field" for British farmers.

It comes after the publication of Minette Batters' farm profitability review, which made more than 50 recommendations to the government.

CLA President Gavin Lane said:

“Profitability across the farming sector is perilously slim, with farmers battling high input costs and volatile weather conditions.

“In such a challenging environment, it becomes even more important that farmers can compete on fair terms.

“Transparent labelling and a level playing field in trade help ensure that the high standards many British producers work to are properly recognised.”

It says "honest labelling" is about making it easier for consumers to buy British and high welfare produce through a new mandatory labelling system that would highlight both origin and manufacturing, as well as animal welfare standards.

It would also make it easier for the government to achieve its commitment of 50% of publicly procured food being sourced from British and high standard suppliers, the group believes.

The "levelling the playing field" strand will ask the government to ensure that imported food faces the same standards as domestically produced food, as well as calling for the Grocery Codes Adjudicator to be empowered to tackle unfair supermarket practices and ensure that farmers get a fair deal when they negotiate.

The MPs are also calling for Defra to launch a review into removing unnecessary and duplicate regulation, maintaining our high standards while reducing the regulatory burden on farmers.