AIC welcomes launch of Government's Land Use Framework for England

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has welcomed progress on a Land Use Framework for England which promises to clarify the Government's vision for how land will be used to boost food security.
Today (31 January), the Government has launched a consultation on proposals for its long-awaited Land Use Framework - something AIC has consistently called for in recent years and featured as one of the agri-supply trade association's core asks of the new Government in the 2024 UK General Election.
The Framework is intended to give businesses the confidence to invest by clarifying how the Government sees land in England being used for food production and other priorities such as energy, housing, and environmental improvement.
Reacting to the announcement, AIC's Chief Executive Robert Sheasby said: "AIC welcomes the announcement of a Land Use Framework for England.
"This was a core priority during last year's General Election, and it is encouraging that the Government has recognised the challenges placed on land use arising from energy, housing, nature, and, of course, food production.
"Land is a finite resource, and there are competing pressures on it - from food and energy production to environmental goods and housing. What we do with our land matters for our economy, our productivity, our environment, and our people.
"Unlike some other countries, the UK lacks a joined-up, cross-government strategy on land use or food security - something AIC has long advocated.
"While this Framework is a highly technical and detailed piece of work, it appears to fall short in addressing how we maintain agricultural land and improve productivity. Given the Government's desire for growth, we now need clear direction on how our sector can contribute.
"AIC will be working closely with its Member businesses to feed into the consultation."
Speaking at the launch at the Royal Geographical Society today, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed OBE MP said the Framework will protect farmland and unlock growth.
He said: "Today is the start of a national conversation to transform how we use land in this country. Using the most sophisticated land use data ever published, we will transform how we use our land.
"That means enabling the protection of prime agricultural land, restoring our natural world and driving economic growth.
"It is about working together to pool our knowledge and resources, to give local and national government, landowners, businesses, farmers and nature groups the data and tools they need to take informed actions that are best for them, best for the land, and best for the country.
"This Government has a cast-iron commitment to maintain long-term food production. The primary purpose of farming will always be to produce food that feeds the nation.
"This Framework will give decision-makers the toolkit they need to protect our highest-quality agricultural land."
Visit GOV.UK to view the consultation information.
ENDS
About AIC
As the UK agricultural supply industry's leading trade association, the Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) represents businesses in key sectors within the supply chains that feed the nation.
Its Member businesses supply UK farmers and growers with the animal feed, fertiliser, seed, crop protection products, trusted advice and quality services that are essential to producing food, as well as trading crops and commodities across the globe.
Formed in October 2003 by a merger of three trade associations, today AIC has over 230 Members in the agri-supply trade and represents £17.8 billion* turnover at farmgate.
AIC works on behalf of its Members by lobbying policymakers and stakeholders, delivering information, providing trade assurance schemes, and offering technical support.

*According to a 2023 survey of AIC Members.
Press Contact
Oli Hill, Head of Communications, AIC
+44 (0)1733 385230
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