Agenda item

To be presented by Alex Nelms and John Bloomer.

The Chairman welcomed John Bloomer, local group secretary for National Farmers Union and Alex Nelms, Director at Kensham Farms to provide a presentation on the rural economy.

Alex introduced himself and advised Kensham Farms was located in Cadmore End covering 2000 acres predominantly farming cereals for bread making and was home for small businesses and an equestrian business.

John Bloomer was introduced and advised he was from the local National Farmers Union which represented 174 members in South Bucks. He advised he also had a rural insurance business in Marlow.

Alex informed the board he had a meeting with Cllr Collingwood and Cllr Zahir Mohammed about how the community board could help the rural economy. It was reported the NFU distribution list could be used to inform members and farms regarding community board grant funding. John advised the NFU was interested in funding opportunities and reiterated a clear vision was needed for the rural economy. It was reported grain prices were increasing which was positive for farmers however the grain quality had slightly decreased. The E10 fuel introduction produced more competition for farmers. 

John discussed the issues facing farmers and the rural economy, these included.

• An increase in gas prices affected the cost of fertiliser which relied on natural gas causing the price to double.
• A lack of availability of co2 which was required for food manufacturing caused a delay in animal slaughter.
• A 43% gap in food production work force resulting from Brexit had pushed the cost of food up.
• A lack of HGV drivers meant grain or animals couldn’t be hauled. 
• Rising concerns the Environmental Land Management scheme had not been finalised by the government resulting in short term tenancies. As the subsidies were unclear tenancies were being limited to 3 years making it harder for farmers to invest for the future of their businesses.
• There were opportunities resulting from the pandemic including increased footfall at local farm shops. However, footfall was reduced due to customers returning to supermarkets.

There was a question relating to setting aside land in local farming communities. It was explained this policy of paying farmers not to over farm was not common practise anymore. There was an environmental land management scheme which would look at rewilding land and it was discussed that short tenancies may be due to upcoming incentives for rewilding soon. Alex advised that grain prices were increasing so there was more incentive for farmers to use land for growing rather than rewilding. In addition, growing local was essential to reduce food miles and co2.

A query was raised over when future government funding plans will be decided. Alex advised Kensham Farms would be partaking in a sustainable farm incentive pilot. The generous EU funding would be removed by 2028 and it was reiterated the time from planting crops to selling was over a long period.

The idea of how net zero worked for businesses in relation to farms was discussed with Alex confirming Kensham Farm was currently net zero with farms generally auditing themselves.  Further work was required in relation to livestock and the methane cycle. John confirmed the NFU had signed up to the net zero pledge for 2040.

There was a discussion on how the community board could support local farms and encourage residents to shop locally.