The new body aims to amplify the voice of food producers and agri businesses
The UK government has launched a new Farming and Food Partnership Board to give farmers and food businesses a stronger voice in policymaking, aiming to drive growth, productivity and long-term profitability across the agri sector.
Chaired by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle as deputy, the board brings together senior leaders from farming, food production, retail, finance and government.
It adopts a practical, partnership-led approach “from farm to fork” to strengthen domestic food production and address key challenges.
The launch coincides with the publication of Baroness Minette Batters’ independent Farming Profitability Review, which calls for closer collaboration between government, farming and industry, alongside greater clarity for businesses seeking to invest.
‘When farming thrives, the whole country benefits’
“When farming thrives, the whole country benefits,” said Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds.
“British farmers are central to our food security, our rural economy and the stewardship of our countryside. This is about serious action to remove barriers, unlock investment and make the food system work better, so farm businesses can grow, invest and plan for the future with confidence.”
Baroness Batters said: “I’m pleased that the Secretary of State recognises the need to establish a new approach to growing the British brand at home and abroad. With ever more extreme weather, the horrific, ongoing war in Ukraine and 69.7 million people in the UK now is the time to deliver food security as national security.”
The board will prioritise removing investment barriers, improving supply chain fairness and unlocking growth, starting with sector-specific plans for horticulture and poultry.
Immediate actions include planning reforms to prioritise food production infrastructure, enhanced scrutiny of unfair trading practices, efforts to attract private finance and trade missions in 2026 to promote British exports.
A full government response to the review will feature in the upcoming 25-Year Farming Roadmap next year.
