The session was arranged by Efra Committee Chair Alistair Carmichael and brought together around 50 MPs, Peers, Efra Committee members, stakeholders and organisations to discuss the competing demands on land including balancing food security against other concerns such as climate change and water security.
As part of the discussion, NFU President Tom Bradshaw explained that the biggest cause for concern with domestic food security across the sector is the lack of growth and productivity, especially in accommodating population growth.
He also explained that the Land Use Framework takes food production for granted as it does not recognise the productivity gains needed in the future, and that statutory food production targets are vital to give farmers and growers confidence and stability.
Consultation and collaboration
In answering questions on the multi-functional use of land, Tom highlighted that a Land Use Framework isn鈥檛 a 鈥渟ilver bullet鈥� for all the challenges facing farmers, growers and rural communities.
Ultimately, the delivery will need to be built upon consultation, collaboration, and recognising the differences in land types and uses across England.
On the importance of continued consultation, Tom emphasised the need for ongoing dialogue on a local and national level, referencing the NFU鈥檚 serious concerns surrounding the new powers for compulsory purchase orders in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Focus on farming, nature and food security
Alongside Tom, the room heard from representatives of the Green Alliance, RSPB, Charted Institute for Water and Environmental Management, Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit and the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission.
There was consensus that the Land Use Framework should focus on farming, nature, and food security while giving due attention to environmental challenges. This included ensuring the Land Use Framework is linked up with Environmental Land Management Schemes, the need for a cross-departmental approach in delivery, and collaboration between government, landowners and communities when it comes to making decisions on appropriate land use.
Chair of the Efra Committee Alistair Carmichael acknowledged 鈥渢he sheer enormity鈥� of the problems in the agriculture sector but said it left the Committee with plenty to do.
皇家华人continues to feed into the Committee鈥檚 ongoing inquiries.
