AHDB statement on Government’s Land Use Framework consultation

AHDB has undertaken considerable analysis and added crucial insight into the new Agricultural Policy in England and the potential impact that current policy will have on agricultural land use, farm business incomes and sustainability.

We welcome the opportunity to respond to Defra’s 'new approach to land use' consultation and to share this insight with policymakers, ensuring that independent evidence highlights the key challenges and needs of farming businesses, and is used to help define future policy.

The analysis quoted in the consultation, which suggests a 1–9% reduction in land use for agriculture, needs to be carefully examined.

There will need to be careful consideration of the longer-term effect on food security and the potential financial impact on farmers.

The balance of incentivising food production with creating a vibrant environment is a key challenge. We are ready to play our part in ensuring levy payers' views are heard and clear independent evidence is used to assess the potential impact of proposed policy changes.

We will be responding to the consultation in due course, and a copy of our response will be made available on our website.