As Economic Secretary to the Treasury, I talk a lot about the economy of the future - Britain is a country with a proud history of innovation, trail-blazing, and paradigm-shifting. However, even as we move towards that future economy, it's important that we get the basics right, whether that's keeping people fed, making sure that people have a roof over their head, or making sure that your energy bills are manageable.
That's why I'm proud to support the Government's plan for farmers, unveiled by the Prime Minister at last week's NFU Conference. Building on the Prime Minister's commitment to spending £2.4 billion on the farming sector for every year of this Parliament - since April 2023, farming in Hitchin and Harpenden alone has seen £3.2 million of investment - the Government's plan for farmers is an ambitious step in the right direction, which will ensure long-term viability for this key sector.
Firstly, the Government is taking further action to invest in sustainable, resilient farm businesses, launching the largest ever grant offer, totalling £426 million, with a focus on supporting farmers to improve their productivity through new technologies and innovative methods.
Next, we're improving the service and support being offered to farmers, cutting planning red tape which currently stands in the way of farm diversification. Those with permitted developments rights will be able to introduce farm shops or outside sports venues, without wading through the arduous planning process that can sometimes frustrate those ambitious.
Third, we are strengthening our food security, with a commitment to produce 60% of the food that we consume here in the UK. To that end, we will be launching a new £15 million fund available directly to farmers, which will allow them to redistribute surplus food at the farm gate which cannot currently be used commercially. On top of that, we're laying on new regulations for the dairy sector, which will ensure that they get a fair price for their produce from major distributors.
I feel profoundly lucky to represent a rural constituency like Hitchin and Harpenden, and I am always proud to fly the flag for our excellent farmers, who play such an important part in building - and feeding - our community. To that end, I am delighted that the Prime Minister shares my belief in the importance of this sector, and look forward to working alongside stakeholders right here in Hitchin and Harpenden, to make sure that this support is targeted correctly, in order to best meet their needs.
