The National Farmers Union (NFU), which represents farmers across England and Wales, has brought together farming organisations to discuss the future of farming businesses as “farmers and growers reach crisis point”.

The NFU convened the farming roundtable as fears grow around the current drought, which they say is the worst seen in 50 years and has resulted in historically low harvests, stunted grass growth and failed crops.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw has said farmers are facing a cash-flow crisis, with growers and farmers alike facing problems.

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“We’re hearing daily about the cash flow crisis facing farmers," he said. "Whether it’s the grower in Buckinghamshire who’s down £220,000 on their usual harvest, or the dairy farmer in Dorset spending an extra £500 a day on fodder to keep their cows, the balance sheets are not adding up.”

Farming organisations have warned that next year’s food production and the future of the next generation of farmers are at risk if immediate action is not taken

DEFRA

Mr Bradshaw stated that while DEFRA’s recent commitments are welcome, farmers are facing an immediate crisis.

“Defra’s strategic commitments last week were a welcome and important step towards building greater water and long-term resilience on farms. But farmers face an immediate crisis in cash flow and confidence.

“Rain has come too late for lost harvests and slashed yields, while livestock farmers are dealing with the worst bluetongue outbreak to reach our shores.”

Mr Bradshaw added that many farmers are worried about finances moving into next year: “Many are worried they will not have money in the bank to plant next year’s crops or replace livestock lost to bluetongue.”

Cornwall meeting

NFU members and Mr Bradshaw met with the UK's prime minister on farmland in Cornwall to see first hand the issues being faced.

He acknowledged the scale of the challenge and said the commitments were a “first start”, but added there was “more to come.”

The NFU said this was a welcome shift from the Government: “That is why we have brought farming organisations to agree the urgent action and investment needed to keep businesses afloat, protect next year’s food production and safeguard long-term food security.”

Key investments

The NFU has set out key investments needed to support farmers and growers, including a “Keep Britain Growing Loan” to give farm businesses the working capital to produce next year’s food; and a “Fallen Stock Scheme” to help livestock farmers affected by the bluetongue disease.

“Action is needed now to secure the future of British farming and enable the next generation to keep producing the nation’s food," Mr Bradshaw said. "We will continue working with government to help farmers withstand this crisis and deliver on its commitment that food security is national security."