51AVÊÓÆµ

Jon Williams - BASF Agricultural Solutions: "The first ask of the Defra Secretary at the NFU Conference should be, what does UK food security mean?"

Mr Williams is public and governmental affairs manager at BASF. He writes about the state of British agriculture, food security, land management and questions Defra Secretary Steve Reed needs to answer at NFU Conference

Chris Brayford
clock • 3 min read
Jon Williams, public and governmental affairs manager at BASF, said: "One thing that is crucial amid the discussion is to not lose sight of where farmers earn their main income – from growing profitable crops, livestock and energy generation. If we want to take land out of production for ‘other things', are we happy to reduce our food security to do so?"
Image:

Jon Williams, public and governmental affairs manager at BASF, said: "One thing that is crucial amid the discussion is to not lose sight of where farmers earn their main income – from growing profitable crops, livestock and energy generation. If we want to take land out of production for ‘other things', are we happy to reduce our food security to do so?"

NFU Conference How we decide to use our land must surely be one of the biggest decisions a country can collectively make. Ahead of the NFU Conference, navigating the current direction of policy travel...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµBusiness

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remembered for 'astonishing attack on the countryside'

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer remembered for 'astonishing attack on the countryside'

The Countryside Alliance has criticised the Prime Minister and his Government for failing to 'renew the bond' of respect between the countryside and MPs

Rachael Brown
clock 22 June 2026 • 3 min read
'Vintage year for raspberries' as fruit measures 50% sweeter than usual

'Vintage year for raspberries' as fruit measures 50% sweeter than usual

Growers say cool spring and late warm spell has enabled berries to ripen slowly and evenly

Jane Thynne
clock 21 June 2026 • 2 min read
UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary deal could slash red meat export friction

UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary deal could slash red meat export friction

The new SPS Agreement is due to be introduced mid 2027, although Defra say this is an 'ambitious' target

Mia Willemsen
clock 20 June 2026 • 2 min read