Liberal Democrats Our plan to support farmers and boost food security








As we gear up for the General Election, we're sharing our pre-manifesto
policies through a series of emails, focusing on the Fair Deal we're
championing in key areas.

The pre-manifesto is an early version of the party’s manifesto for the General
Election, setting out our core values and vision.

More details on these policies, and how they will be implemented and funded,
will be outlined when the full manifesto is published.

Here’s a snapshot of our plans for food and farming 🔽

Agricultural policy is a devolved matter in Scotland and Wales, but trade and
immigration are not. So, the agricultural policies discussed here apply only to
England, while trade, overseas development, and immigration policies cover the
entire UK.



Why we need a Fair Deal for Farming



Farmers play a crucial role in our economy, national well-being, and
environment.

But the Conservative government's neglect has put farmers under significant
strain, leading to business closures and uncertainty.

The government's botched transition from the Basic Payment Scheme has
threatened farmers' livelihoods with old payments cut before new payment
mechanisms were put in place. Farmers also contend with increases in energy,
fertiliser and feed stock prices.

The Government is also mishandling trade - the deals they have negotiated
limit farmers' access to the EU market, increase costs and undercut British
agricultural standards on animal welfare and environmental protection.

Farmers are key allies in the fight to tackle climate change, to enhance our
natural environment, and to feed our country.

It's vital farmers get the fair deal they need to continue to produce high
quality food for our tables while protecting and enhancing our natural
environment.






Fixing agricultural policy



(Applicability: England Only)



We must transform agricultural policy so farmers get the resources and support
to grow their businesses, reduce food prices, and protect the environment.

We will:

✅ Increase the farming Environmental Land Management (ELM) budget by £1
billion a year to support farmers’ incomes and ensure they’re properly rewarded
and supported to transition to environmentally sustainable farming.

✅ Fully fund and resource the Agricultural Development & Advisory Service
(ADAS) so all farmers get the support and training they need.

✅ Support farmers to restore woodland and peatland, create natural flood
protections and manage land to encourage species recovery and carbon storage.

✅ Introduce a Research and Innovation Fund to support new and emerging
agricultural technologies, such as alternative proteins.






Fixing botched trade deals



(Applicability: UK-wide)



As liberals, we support free trade, but it must also be fair.

We need trade deals which prevent the undercutting of our high standards,
while also boosting exports.

We will:

✅ Ensure all future trade deals maintain high health, environmental and
animal welfare standards, so Britain’s farmers and food producers are not
disadvantaged. Trade negotiations will have proper democratic scrutiny and
accountability.

✅ Renegotiate the Australia and New Zealand trade agreements to meet these
objectives, and withdraw from them if they can’t be met.


To ensure seamless trade with the EU, we will:

✅ Ensure mutual recognition and alignment on standards and quality.

✅ Negotiate veterinary and plant health agreements with the EU.

✅ Rebuild trust and cooperation with Europe by following the four-stage
roadmap
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.


To further support farmers and boost food security, we will:



✅ Introduce a proper visa and seasonal worker system so farmers and fishers
can access the workforce they need.

✅ Restore the International Development Budget and use the money to invest
and support sustainable farming overseas.






That’s the fair deal for farming that we’ll be fighting for at the General
Election.

Stay tuned for the next edition of our Fair Deal series - coming to your
inbox soon!

Best wishes,




Liberal Democrats


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Will you support our fight for a Fair Deal?


We need your help to elect more Liberal Democrats and fight for change. Can
you help us today?


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Missed our previous emails in this series?


Find them all below to learn about our pre-manifesto policies in other areas:


* For A Fair Deal Introduction
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* Health
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* The Economy, Business & Jobs
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* The Environment, Climate & Energy
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* Foreign Affairs & Defence
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* Rights & Equality
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* Political Reform
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* Education, Children & Young People
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* Crime and Policing
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* Housing and Communities
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Published and promoted by Mike Dixon on behalf of the Liberal Democrats
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