Farmers to vent frustrations at Oxford Farming Conference

Farmers will air their frustrations at this week’s Oxford Farming Conference, as Defra secretary Steve Reed faces intense criticism over the government’s handling of farm policy.

With rising concerns about policies, tax changes, and a lack of farm support, many in the agricultural community feel their needs are being overlooked.

Mr Reed was due to set out his long-term vision for farming in a speech to the conference on Thursday 9 January, where he will present Defra’s “new deal” for farming, including the government’s 25-year farming roadmap.

See also: TFA criticises government’s stonewalling on Budget measures

The minister’s speech focuses on boosting farming profitability and ensuring food security, with key reforms in the Plan for Change. This includes using public sector purchasing power to support British food producers and speeding up planning processes to help farmers build necessary infrastructure.

He was due to emphasise the importance of farmers diversifying income streams, such as selling surplus energy from renewable sources, and promise fairer supply chains with new regulations in sectors like pork and eggs.

Mr Reed was expected to say: “The primary purpose of farming has – and always will be – to produce the food that feeds the nation,” reaffirming the government’s commitment to food production.

The importance of supporting farmers during challenges while restoring nature for sustainable agriculture, would also be emphasised.

The upcoming 25-year farming roadmap and the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (Adopt) Fund for farmer-led projects will further drive innovation and climate-resilient practices, Defra insists. 

Oxfordshire farmer Tom Allen-Stevens, a former OFC chairman, welcomed the Adopt fund restart to boost farm innovation, but he called on Labour to clarify if the £45m pledged by the previous Conservative administration would be allocated to the fund.

“There can be no new deal for farmers if there is no stimulus for innovation,” he warned.

No IHT update

However, farmers’ hopes of hearing updates on the controversial farm inheritance tax (IHT) plans, set to come into effect in April 2026, were dashed. A government spokesperson confirmed there would be no update at the conference, insisting the policy remains unchanged.

Ahead of the conference, reports suggested Mr Reed will face a significant farmer backlash.

Oxfordshire farmers have organised a protest outside the Examination Schools venue, while a small convoy of tractors from Berkshire was expected to drive to Oxford, displaying anti-government slogans.

Farmer Colin Rayner, a participant in the tractor protest, voiced his frustration, saying: “We just wish the Labour Party would listen to the concerns of the countryside and farmers. These policies are undermining every farming business in the country.”