South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne, has welcomed a new package of measures from the government to support British farmers and help customers to buy British produce.   

This week, Defra Secretary Thérèse Coffey MP has backed calls from Mr Dunne and other MPs for industry-led action to signpost customers to enable them to identify where they can 'Buy British’ when they shop online and will support campaigns to endorse the taste and quality of home-grown meat and dairy products.   

The government has also confirmed that farmers producing sustainable British food under environmental land management schemes will be able to use them to help meet public procurement standards, benefiting British farmers and allowing the public sector to benefit from more excellent British food.  

While Minister responsible for procurement in the Ministry of Defence and then the Department for Health, Mr Dunne sought to encourage British produce to be sourced to supply service personnel and for use in hospitals, but was hidebound by EU regulations.

In addition the government has today confirmed that in recognition of the challenges faced with inflation and rising input costs, farmers who have a live Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 (SFI) agreement before the end of the year, will receive an accelerated payment in the first month of their agreement, helping with cashflow and ensuring SFI works for farm businesses. The new and improved Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 – which has 23 actions on offer for farmers - is currently accepting expressions of interest, with farmers and will start accepting applications from 18th September. 

Mr Dunne, a farmer himself, said:

“Today’s package of measures from the government to support British farmers is very welcome, and acts on calls that I and other MPs have made in recent months. This includes giving consumers far greater clarity on how they can support British farmers by buying British produce when they are shopping for groceries online.  

“While I was Defence Procurement Minister, I did what I could to ensure British produce was the first choice for supplying our Armed Forces, but we were held back by EU procurement regulations which often meant we could not specify British supplied food and drink. Now free from those strictures, I am pleased to see the government today making clear it will be easier for British farmers to access public sector procurement channels.  

“I also welcome clarity on the first Sustainable Farming Payments, which will be made this year, giving farmers a much-needed boost to cashflow. I had supported NFU efforts to secure this commitment, so I am pleased the government has listened.”