Food production in Suffolk could decrease due to lack of confidence in the industry
The Farmer Confidence Survey by the NFU shows that short and mid-term confidence is at its lowest since records began in 2010
Last updated 28th May 2024
A new survey shows farmers in Suffolk and across the country currently have the lowest level of confidence in 14 years.
Conducted by the National Farmers' Union (NFU), it's found that "short and mid-term confidence is at its lowest since records began in 2010".
As a result, the NFU's warning production in our county could decrease, if nothing's done to safeguard it.
It says one major contributing factor to this has been the increase in wet weather they have faced over the last 18 months, such as Storm Babet and Storm Henk.
82% of those who participated in the survey said their farm businesses has "suffered fairly negatively" with 52% facing very negative impacts (30%).
Mixed farms, arable farms and dairy farms have taken the biggest hits at 30%.
"65% of farmers say their profits are declining or their businesses may not survive"
We spoke to Glenn Buckingham, county chairman for the National Farmers' Union in Suffolk, who told us more about the problems farmers are facing.
For example, unpredictable weather means many have lost crops or had to resow them - at a high cost to farmers: "You cannot recoup those costs from the marketplace. So we bear those costs."
He also suggests farmers are facing greater competition in the world market: "We are juggling all the time to try and maintain our businesses."
Glenn is encouraging people to look for "the little red tractor" and shop as local as they can to support farmers.
"Their business may not even survive"
The NFU has also provided a General Election Manifesto, which they hope political parties will take on to help safeguard homegrown food production, including:
• Planning for and rewarding farmers fairly for their role in mitigating flood risk and committing to the proactive management of our watercourses.
• A smooth and seamless transition to new environmental schemes that are open to all farmers and growers, and ensure profitable long-term food-producing businesses.
• Establishing minimum standards to promote a fair and functioning supply chain.
• Developing and establishing core production standards that apply to agri-food imports.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “These figures paint a really stark picture. Confidence has collapsed after months of devastating flooding, unsustainably high production costs and low market returns, and against a backdrop of reduced farm support as we transition to a new Domestic Agriculture Policy and associated farm support.
“Any business owner knows that without confidence and a steady cash flow, businesses will struggle to re-invest and remain viable. We have already lost more than 7,000 agricultural businesses since 2019 – no one wants to see that increase, least of all our customers who really value the high quality, sustainable food British farmers produce.
"With climate change wreaking havoc on food systems across the world and geo-political tensions high, Britain cannot afford to lose its ability to feed itself.
“A lot is hanging in the balance ahead of the General Election. Political parties will rightly be focusing on how to reverse the cost-of-living crisis, and with food inflation still high and families struggling with food bills, supporting homegrown food production must be part of this.
"I never cease to be amazed by our amazing farmers and growers"
“The good news is that there are solutions the current and future governments can adopt to help rebuild farm business confidence, from investment in our water management to developing core production standards for food imports.
“While we are seeing record lows in farmer confidence, I never cease to be amazed by our amazing farmers and growers; their passion, drive and ingenuity for the work we do. Innate tenacity means we do not give up easily.
"In the run-up to this election, I urge all political parties to recognise this resilience and the crucial role we play in sustaining our nation. With their support, we can do more to contribute towards our national interests – producing more sustainable, affordable food and renewable energy, driving economic growth, providing jobs, and delivering."