A new study reveals that UK farmers' earnings have remained stagnant since the mid-1970s, with average annual income barely changing for decades. The situation is exacerbated by a new inheritance tax on agricultural assets, ending EU subsidies, and extreme weather conditions. Price drops in farm produce, supply chain monopolization, and rising demand for cheaper, ultra-processed foods further diminish farmers' financial stability. Recommendations include enforcing trade deal standards and creating a regulator focused on fair agricultural practices to improve farmers' income.
Farmers' earnings have effectively stalled since the mid-1970s, despite productivity improvements, leaving average farm income unchanged in real terms for decades.
The Commission's recommendations include establishing trade deal standards, creating a food market regulator to champion public value, and focusing government spending on nutritious crops.
Sharp falls in farm produce prices and consolidation among suppliers have limited farmers' negotiating power, contributing to continued low income conditions for the agricultural sector.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed's upcoming 25-year farming plan aims to address supply chain fairness and ensure farmers receive adequate payment for their work.
Collection
[
|
...
]