Labour’s manifesto & its impact on UK agriculture.

In its manifesto, Labour has set a target for half of all public sector food purchases to be locally produced or certified to higher environmental standards. The party also pledged to introduce a land-use framework and improve environmental land management schemes for farmers and nature.

On trade, Labour plans to publish a strategy promoting high standards in food production. However, the manifesto criticises the badger cull as ineffective, promising to work with farmers and scientists to eradicate bovine TB and end the cull. The party also aims to improve access to nature by creating nine new national river walks, three new national forests, and expanding wetlands, peatlands, and forests. Upgrading national transmission infrastructure to enhance grid connections is also a priority.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw called this a “reset moment” for British agriculture. He emphasised the need for practical policies to revitalise farm business confidence and ensure food security. Bradshaw highlighted the importance of setting a multi-year agriculture budget, making ELM schemes accessible to all farmers, establishing core standards for food imports, and boosting public procurement.

Other critical issues include a functional Seasonal Workers Scheme, effective import controls, supply chain fairness, infrastructure investment, and planning flexibility. He also stressed the importance of continuing effective TB eradication plans, citing a 56% decline in outbreaks according to the latest science.