Baroness Minette Batters Leads Farm Profitability Review

Baroness Minette Batters, former president of the National Farmers’ Union, has been appointed to lead a government review on farm profitability, focusing on addressing deep-rooted challenges in the agricultural sector. Her role will involve engaging with farmers across various sectors and collaborating with government departments to formulate recommendations that support sustainable farming practices. The review is part of the government’s New Deal for Farmers and will be supported by a newly created Profitability Unit within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). Batters aims to provide actionable insights for both the short and long term, contributing to the development of the food strategy and Land Use Framework. Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized the importance of supporting British farmers to enhance rural economic growth and food security, acknowledging the need for more rapid action to drive profitability in the sector. Batters has committed to thoroughly exploring options to boost farm profitability while recognizing the difficulties ahead.