House of Lords to investigate farm price volatility

A committee in the House of Lords is to investigate what can be done to help farmers become more resilient to market volatility.

The House of Lords EU energy and environment sub-committee is seeking evidence for a new inquiry into price volatility and agricultural resilience.

The committee has said it will be looking at how farmers can mitigate the effects of volatile commodity markets and currency fluctuations.

See also: Grain growers need low-cost strategy to deal with price volatility

It will also examine the barriers to more effective on-farm price risk management, including longer-term pricing mechanisms, diversification, co-operative working and leasing.

The inquiry will also explore what role government should play in mitigating the impact of potential price volatility and whether the CAP should be reformed to allow farmers to respond more effectively.

The committee has said it is keen to receive evidence from a wide range of witnesses and wants interested parties to submit their views by Thursday 31 December 2015.

Evidence sessions will be held in December 2015 and January 2016.

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, which is made up of MPs, is also investigating the impact of the farmgate price crisis on UK farmers.

It is already in the middle of oral evidence sessions.