Environment Secretary Steve Barclay emphasized the UK government’s commitment to supporting British farming, citing a £220 million funding package aimed at enhancing technology within the agricultural sector. Speaking on GB News, Barclay highlighted the importance of leveraging technology to improve productivity and sustainability in food production.
Barclay explained that the funding initiative seeks to double grants for equipment and technology, with a focus on driving better productivity and reducing costs associated with inputs like pesticides and sprays. By embracing available technology, farmers can enhance their competitiveness on the global stage while ensuring food security and boosting production.
During the discussion on Breakfast with Eamonn Holmes and Isabel Webster, Barclay also addressed efforts to streamline bureaucracy within the farming industry. The government plans to simplify application processes for farming schemes and expedite payments to farmers, responding to feedback from the farming community and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
Acknowledging the limitations of the previous bureaucratic system under the EU, Barclay emphasized the need for a more responsive and innovative approach tailored to the specific needs of English agriculture. He highlighted the government’s commitment to legislation that supports technological advancements, such as gene precision legislation, to enhance farming practices and environmental sustainability.
Barclay’s remarks underscored the government’s efforts to transition away from the bureaucratic formulas of the EU towards a more agile and technology-driven approach that aligns with the UK’s agricultural needs and environmental goals.