Farmers Weekly Podcast Ep 328: Autumn Budget – hit or miss for farming?

Has the government missed another opportunity to support British farming?

In this special edition of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine Chancellor John Healey’s Autumn Budget and ask what it really means for farmers, food production and the wider rural economy.

See also: Farmers offered little in chancellor Healey’s first Budget

The Chancellor extended the fuel duty cut on red diesel, temporarily suspended tariffs on fertiliser and heating oil, and announced business rates relief that could benefit farm shops.

But with farm profitability under severe pressure, inheritance tax reforms unchanged and food production costs continuing to rise, industry leaders say the Budget offers little encouragement.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns that farmers feel abandoned by a government that repeatedly promises to make food security a national priority.

Country Land and Business Association president Gavin Lane says the Budget represents a missed opportunity to stimulate rural economic growth,

Meanwhile, agricultural accountant Sam Kirkham, partner and head of farms at Albert Goodman, urges farming businesses to keep a close watch on cashflow.

We also examine changes to biodiversity net gain, the outlook for food price inflation and the political calculations behind what some describe as a surprisingly benign Budget.

Could the Chancellor’s cautious approach even signal an early general election?

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

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