Baroness Batters seeks industry input for profitability review

Farmers and growers across England are being asked to help shape a major government-backed review into farming profitability, led by former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters.

In an open letter (PDF) published this week, Baroness Batters urged industry bodies to identify the biggest barriers to farm profitability and submit evidence and practical solutions by 11 July.

“I want to be radical and embrace ‘blue sky thinking’ about what can be done differently,” she said. “But the solutions must be deliverable in the world we live in – not the world we’d like to live in.”

See also: Minette Batters to lead Defra farm profitability review

Appointed by Defra secretary Steve Reed, Baroness Batters is leading a six-month review as part of the Labour government’s New Deal for Farmers. Her aim is to deliver “meaningful recommendations” not only to government, but to retailers, processors and manufacturers across the food supply chain.

Defra confirmed that Baroness Batters is being paid on a part-time basis, in line with similar reviews, and is covering her own food and accommodation costs. She is currently consulting widely with farmers and industry groups to inform her final report.

Farming incomes up

The review comes amid a sharp rise in farm incomes, with new figures showing total UK farming profits surged by 26% in 2024 to £7.7bn.

The increase was fuelled by stronger livestock prices and a drop in input costs, particularly fertiliser. However, significant challenges remain, especially for sectors such as arable, which continue to face volatile markets and mounting climate pressures.

Baroness Batters said her review would take a broad definition of profitability, grounded in two principles: that farms are businesses producing agricultural yield and that profitability means income after costs – a prerequisite for reinvestment and long-term viability.

‘Convener of your views’

In her letter, she stressed the need for a “system-wide approach”, acknowledging that the factors influencing farm income were often outside farmers’ control.

“I see myself as a convener for your views,” she said. “I want to understand the challenges you face, what the solutions could be, and what is needed to deliver them.”

Farmers are being asked to identify three or four major barriers to profitability, propose solutions, and provide case studies. While individual views are welcome, Baroness Batters stressed that time was limited, and she urged sector groups to lead the evidence-gathering.

The final report will be delivered in early October. Submissions can be sent to: farmingprofitabilityreview@defra.gov.uk.