The National Farmers Union (NFU) has strongly criticised the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) over its agricultural budget underspend.
- Defra’s budget was underused by £358 million over three years, a situation described as ‘unacceptable’ by NFU president Tom Bradshaw.
- The NFU has consistently advocated for timely implementation of replacement schemes following the reduction in the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
- Farmers and growers face financial uncertainty due to unspent funds intended to support them during agricultural transition.
- Newly appointed Defra secretary Steve Reed is urged to ensure budgets align with necessary investments for the farming sector.
The NFU has raised significant concerns after it emerged that Defra’s agricultural budget was underspent by £358 million across a three-year period. NFU president Tom Bradshaw described this as ‘nothing short of a kick in the teeth’ for farmers and growers who have endured years of financial instability during the agricultural transition. The union’s discontent stems from the fact that the funds, which could have provided much-needed support, instead remain idle.
Defra’s decision to cut the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in 2023 has exacerbated the financial pressure on farmers. The NFU argues that many replacement schemes that were supposed to mitigate this reduction are not yet operational. Consequently, the money saved from these cuts has not been reallocated as intended, leaving the agricultural community in a precarious financial situation.
According to Bradshaw, the NFU has long advocated for the establishment of these replacement schemes prior to any BPS reductions, in order to prevent the accumulation of unspent funds at a time when farmers require them most. The union has urged the government to reconsider its budgeting strategy and carry forward the unspent funds to ensure they are used to support the agricultural sector as originally intended.
The meeting between Bradshaw and the newly appointed Defra secretary, Steve Reed, highlighted the need for immediate action to foster growth and stability within the British food and farming sector. Bradshaw emphasised that meaningful change within the government must be supported by a budget capable of sustaining necessary investments in the industry.
The NFU continues to press for the reallocation of unspent funds to ensure necessary support reaches the agricultural industry.
