As we look ahead to 2024, it is important to consider how the challenges of the past 12 months will continue to affect the combinable crops sector.
A testing harvest resulted in below-average yields, followed by an even more challenging autumn and drilling campaign. Margins and profitability for farmers are going to be under ever-increasing pressure.
Access to plant protection products
The role of ELMs will be key as the sector works through the delinking of BPS and the continued reduction in payments. It
is important that SFI and Countryside Stewardship agreements are available for all growers, not least to underpin their crop rotations.
Crop rotations themselves are under increasing pressure from the loss of access to plant protection products. A letter from the Farming Minister outlining the process by which the UK market will have access to vital seed treatments and parallel imports into next year and beyond was most welcome, and similar attention must now be given to EAMUs and EAs in support of crops such as oats and pulses.
“The Crops Board will continue to promote the sector and the opportunities within, particularly on the diversification of markets and the alternative crops which can be grown.”
NFU Combinable Crops Board chair Matt Culley
Part of the NFU’s work going forward will be on ensuring the correct policy is in place to allow farmers to navigate the sustainability platforms which are emerging, and that the value from these is delivered to farm businesses.
Fairness in the supply chain
The NFU continues to work on ensuring fairness in the supply chain, and the Contract Fairness Hub remains open for members to share their experience of any claims and rejections.
The NFU has also been involved in making the business case for the Digital Grain Passport, keeping the interests of members at the centre of this work.
The Crops Board will continue to promote the sector and the opportunities within, particularly on the diversification of markets and the alternative crops which can be grown.
The NFU will also build on the successful #YourHarvest campaign during harvest 2023 to engage with the public and promote the importance of the sector.
