Labour has unveiled its strategy to champion UK farmers, promising that at least half of the food in schools, hospitals, and prisons will be sourced from British producers. This initiative, forming

part of Labour's envisioned "new deal" for agricultural workers, aims to leverage government procurement to bolster local farming enterprises and appeal to rural voters in anticipation of an upcoming general election.

In tandem with this quota-driven approach within certain segments of the public sector, Sir Keir Starmer's agenda includes pursuing a fresh veterinary agreement with the European Union. Labour anticipates that this move will not only strengthen trade ties but also potentially amplify export opportunities for the agricultural sector.

Additionally, Labour has proposed the establishment of a dedicated "flood resilience taskforce," akin to the Cobra emergency committee, to mitigate farm flood risks. This taskforce would focus on implementing drainage systems, fortifications against floods, and schemes for natural flood management across British farms.

The announcement arrives as Labour asserts that the Conservatives have overseen the "dismantling" of numerous agriculture-related businesses. Party analysis of Office for National Statistics data suggests that over 6,300 such enterprises have ceased operations since 2017.

Part of Labour's strategy involves the creation of GB Energy, a publicly owned entity designed to invest in clean, domestically produced energy, aiming to ensure energy security and potentially reduce expenses for farmers.

Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Reed emphasized Labour's commitment to revitalize the farming sector, promising reduced energy costs for farmers through initiatives like GB Energy. He stressed Labour's intent to streamline processes for food exports, support local production, and harness the government's purchasing power to favor British goods.

In response, Food Minister Mark Spencer criticized Labour's historical lack of support for farmers, accusing the party of inadequately addressing rural community needs during their time in government. Spencer highlighted the Conservative government's efforts in directing targeted funding to farmers, preserving prime farmland, and accelerating grid connections for those in rural areas.

Beyond their commitment to farmers, Spencer criticized Labour's broader economic plan, labeling it as unfunded spending that could potentially lead to increased taxes. Photo by Tony Atkin, Wikimedia commons.