Farming can play key role in recovery – NFU

The NFU has warned that the bodies replacing the Regional Development Agencies in England need to engage more closely with agriculture and rural business.

Business secretary Vince Cable has outlined proposals to set up 24 Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs).

The aim is to devolve economic development powers to English regions and cities.

The LEPs will be partnerships between councils and local businesses and will work to stimulate private-sector growth.

The NFU said the creation of LEPs was good news, but they early signs were that the contribution agriculture could make to the economic recovery was so far being overlooked.

NFU head of policy services Andrew Clark said: “Reading through the initial proposals, it is apparent that farming and food are recognised as key sectors by only a handful of LEPs.

“Considering that farming generates some £7.1bn in gross value added terms to the UK economy, while agricultural raw materials literally feed the UK food and drink industry, it is disappointing that agri-food and rural issues are ignored in many proposals. 

“Our members recognise the long-term potential in farming. After all, the industry has £200bn invested in its assets. But we need the right support and impetus, and we hope that LEPs will be in a position to offer that support.”

The closure of the RDAs was confirmed in the Budget and they are expected to cease activity by March 2012.