British food gets a helping hand

THE Chancellor’s help for the hospitality industry will also help farming to bounce back, NFU president Minette Batters said.

“The hospitality sector reopening is significant for British farmers and it will play a central role in farming’s recovery,” she said.

“We hope the announcement to stimulate the hospitality and tourism sectors by cutting VAT will see increasing demand which will help British food flow back into our pubs, cafes and restaurants. This will start to ease the pressure many farm businesses are facing.

“There are thousands of diversified farms with tourism and hospitality businesses that could also benefit from the stimulus created by this cut, helping them to play a key role in reviving the economy.

She said the “Eat Out to Help Out” discount announced on Wednesday could also stimulate demand for quality British produce.

Ms Blatters said there were still challenges, not least for growers of cider apples and hops. They would not benefit from the measures and may need further support.

“We look forward to further announcements by the Chancellor in the autumn on how his recovery package will support the rural economy.”