Prime minister’s message to Britain’s farmers

This has been a summer of relentless challenge for Britain’s farmers. I want to thank sincerely every one of you for your resilience and determination in keeping our nation fed.

You have carried on through punishing conditions. The gruelling heat has drained water supplies, crop yields and incomes.

More than two-thirds of England is in drought and, with little meaningful rain forecast in the coming weeks, there is no immediate respite in sight.

I know you need more than the government’s appreciation.

On Saturday, I am visiting a farm in the South West and meeting the NFU president to listen to the farming community. This follows our announcement of immediate support.

The package includes more flexibility in environmental schemes, meaning farmers affected by drought can continue to receive payments and protect their livestock, crops and land.

And to fund more drought-resilient farming practices, we have increased the Sustainable Farming Incentive budget by £50m.

In addition, we have made available £15m of investment to support on-farm reservoirs and confirmed that we will take the necessary steps to remove planning barriers so that farmers can build new water infrastructure more quickly and with greater certainty.

Improving water access

And we are improving access to water during drought conditions, including Environment Agency support and simpler water access arrangements.

We must face the hard truth that as a consequence of the climate crisis, we will experience more extreme heat in summers to come.

To ensure we are prepared, we are pressing ahead with the construction of nine new reservoirs and other measures to strengthen the resilience of farmland.

I know I have work to do to win the trust of the farming community. I want this to serve as a first demonstration of that commitment.

Farming makes an extraordinary contribution to our national life. As farmers, you put food on our tables, serve as stewards of the great British countryside, and provide the backbone of many rural economies.

It is in these places, perhaps more than anywhere else, that people feel power and politics have become detached from the communities they are meant to serve.

As a mayor, I knew what it was like to be ignored by politicians in Westminster. As prime minister, I will not make that same mistake.

This government will bring power to every postcode. Decisions will no longer be imposed from Whitehall, but made by the people who understand their communities.

Taxes raised in rural areas will soon remain in rural areas. You will be given the resources to grow thriving local economies, improve bus services and build more affordable homes.

And throughout, this government will maintain its support for sustainable farming and food production.

To every farmer, I want you to know that you are not alone. This government will stand with you in the months and years ahead. Thank you.

Andy Burnham