New Farming & Food Board launches to revive UK agriculture's struggling profits

The first meeting of the Farming & Food Board has taken place, marking a significant step for British agriculture. Chaired by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and Deputy Chair Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle, the Board aims to boost productivity and profitability across the sector. Representatives from major agricultural and food industry bodies attended to help shape its mission and early plans. The Board's initial focus will be on Sector Growth Plans for horticulture and poultry. These plans seek to increase domestic production and address long-standing challenges in the industry. Alongside this, the government is working with farmers to ease pressures from rising diesel and fertiliser costs.

Profitability in UK farming has seen sharp declines in recent years. Data from 2021 to 2026 shows crop sectors like cereals and general cropping have struggled, with average incomes dropping from £78,200 per hectare to a forecasted £17,000—just 22% of previous levels. Subsidy reductions and lower commodity prices have hit hard, though livestock sectors such as dairy and grazing have fared better. Nearly one in five farms now operate at a loss due to mounting costs. The Board will also examine concerns over price gouging, with ministers already raising the issue with the Competition and Markets Authority. To tackle broader challenges, subgroups may be formed to improve farm profitability and resilience. The Board is designed to work alongside the Food Strategy Advisory Board (FSAB), ensuring a coordinated approach to transforming the food system.

The Farming & Food Board brings together government and industry to create a more productive and resilient food system. Early actions will target sector-specific growth plans and cost pressures for farmers. Its success will depend on collaboration between policymakers, producers, and market regulators.