Senior figures from across the UK’s farming, food, and retail sectors have come together for the first meeting of the newly formed Farming & Food Partnership Board, signaling a significant shift

in how British agriculture will be supported and developed.

Held on Wednesday, 25 March, the inaugural session brought industry leaders and government ministers into a single forum aimed at improving farm profitability, strengthening supply chains, and driving long-term growth across the food system.

The Board is chaired by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, with Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle serving as Deputy Chair. Its creation reflects a broader government push to place productivity and financial resilience at the core of agricultural policy.

The initiative builds on recommendations from Baroness Batters’ Farm Profitability Review, with a clear focus on ensuring that British farmers are better positioned to compete, innovate, and thrive. A key priority will be promoting homegrown produce while reinforcing the UK’s food supply chain from production through to retail.

Representatives from major industry bodies—including those spanning agriculture, food production, retail, and hospitality—attended the meeting to help define the Board’s objectives, structure, and future direction. Their input will guide both membership expansion and the development of targeted growth strategies.

Speaking after the meeting, Reynolds described the Board as a “major moment” for the sector, emphasizing the importance of collaboration across the entire food chain. She highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting innovation, improving efficiency, and removing barriers that hinder growth.

The Board will work alongside the existing Food Strategy Advisory Board, contributing to broader reforms across the UK food system.

Initial efforts will focus on creating Sector Growth Plans—industry-led initiatives developed in partnership with government. These plans aim to unlock investment, accelerate the adoption of new technologies, and address long-standing challenges affecting farm incomes.

Horticulture and poultry have been identified as priority sectors due to their strong growth potential and ability to increase domestic production. Work on a horticulture strategy is set to begin immediately, with a poultry plan expected later this year.

To address specific challenges, the Board may also establish specialist subgroups drawing on expertise from both government and industry.

The meeting comes at a time of mounting pressure on farmers, particularly due to rising diesel and fertiliser costs linked to geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The government has acknowledged these concerns and is working closely with industry stakeholders to coordinate a response.

Ministers have also raised the issue of potential price manipulation with the Competition and Markets Authority, warning that any form of profiteering will face scrutiny.

The formation of the Farming & Food Partnership Board marks a coordinated effort to align policy and industry expertise—aiming to deliver tangible improvements in productivity, profitability, and resilience across British agriculture.

National Farmers Union (NFU) President, Tom Bradshaw, said:   “The first Farming & Food Partnership Board could not come at a more opportune time. As the geopolitical outlook becomes more uncertain with the conflict in the Middle East and ongoing war in Ukraine, it is essential that we build a resilient domestic food and farming industry. 

We look forward to working with the Board to ensure profitability and productivity are at the heart of farming and growing businesses, as this is key to building a stable, homegrown sector that is resilient for the long term.” 

Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) Chief Executive, Robert Sheasby, said:  “The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) is pleased to have been invited by Ministers to join the new Farming & Food Partnership Board. Bringing Government and the full supply chain together is essential if profitable and sustainable agriculture is to sit at the heart of the Government’s long‑term vision.

This Board provides an important opportunity to create a structure where all sectors of UK agriculture can invest, innovate and plan for growth with confidence. It is vital that the Board delivers clear and identifiable outcomes, and AIC will work constructively to support this”.

UKHospitality Chair, Kate Nicholls, said:   “A resilient and sustainable food supply chain is absolutely critical to support the thousands of hospitality businesses serving millions of people each and every week. 

This is an important farm to fork coalition that can look holistically across the supply chain and deliver positive change to make food businesses more profitable, with less regulation and more able to drive economic growth”.

Food and Sustainability Director at the British Retail Consortium (BRC), Andrew Opie, said:  “This is a great opportunity for British farmers and producers. Retailers want even more great British food to sell to customers, and the new Board will help boost production and remove blockers, supporting farmers to meet increasing demand for quality, sustainable produce”.

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Chief Executive, Karen Betts, said:  “The new Farming & Food Partnership Board is an important step towards a more robust and resilient food system. From farm to manufacturer to consumer, we need a joined-up approach that supports growth and strengthens food security, right across the supply chain.

The Board has a significant job to do, and we look forward to working closely with government and industry partners to turn this ambition into practical, long-term progress”.

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) Chair, Emily Norton, said:   “I am delighted to be on the Board representing AHDB and its levy paying farmers and processors across the Beef and Lamb, Cereals and Oilseeds, Dairy and Pork sectors.  

Collaboration with the wider industry is key to driving profitability and growth.  

We look forward to working with senior leaders from farming, food production, retail, finance and government to find solutions that can benefit British agriculture.” 

Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) CEO, Sarah Bradbury, said: “This new Board is an opportunity for Government to take a strategic approach to supporting every part of the food industry from farm to fork to contribute towards economic growth,  to boost domestic production and improve our food security. IGD is looking forward to playing our part in supporting our sector to thrive”.