Alexander Preston, Founder and Managing Director of agricultural policy consultancy Preston Waldon, discusses latest policy effects and considerations for the potato industry.
IN the ever-evolving world of UK agricultural policy, Defra is pivoting in ways that could redefine the potato industry.
Defra’s new direction is focused on growth and collaboration and I’ve been tracking its changes and their potential impact on the fresh produce sector with interest.
When Labour took office, Steve Reed’s appointment as Defra Secretary marked a turning point. His vision to reposition Defra as a “growth department” reveals a comprehensive strategy that extends beyond policy into practical investments and collaborations. His goals, which I discussed with him recently, focus on several key areas:
• Economic growth: With new investments, sectors like potatoes could see innovative opportunities emerge.
• Collaborative policy-making: Reed is encouraging industry partnerships, giving growers a more direct influence on the regulations shaping their businesses.
• Water infrastructure investment: The planned £88 billion boost for water resources promises to support sustainable irrigation practices, vital for potato growers.
• Streamlined compliance/tighter standards: Simplified processes may ease administrative burdens, but stricter environmental regulations are likely on the horizon.
Defra’s Regulatory Review: A shift in focus
The review could reshape the entire landscape of British potato growing, from the fields to the bustling produce markets and retailers in our towns and cities. Reed is on a mission to transform Defra from a department often seen as a roadblock to prosperity into a powerhouse of economic growth.
Now, you might be thinking: “That’s all well and good, Alexander, but what’s it got to do with my potatoes?” My answer is simple: Everything.
This is a golden opportunity to have a say in shaping policies that will directly impact your business. Whether you’re a potato farmer battling blight in Lincolnshire, a supply chain wizard moving produce across the country, or a chip shop owner serving up the nation’s favourite comfort food, your voice matters.
I’ve seen firsthand how engaged stakeholders can influence policy. Take our recent work with a regenerative farming initiative by a leading supermarket chain, for example. By bringing industry insights to the table, we’ve helped steer the conversation towards practical, growth-oriented solutions.
Key Implications for the potato sector
Here’s what you might expect – and how you might want to prepare:
1. Streamlined compliance, but tighter standards: Red tape might be easing, but tighter environmental regulations are coming. While some processes could be simplified, others may demand more rigorous reporting and adaptation.
2. Trade protections on the table: With rising imports, trade protections for UK-grown produce are being considered. Expect enhanced labelling and stricter country-of-origin indicators—great for British potatoes but challenging for global competitors.
3. Increased focus on sustainability: As sustainability takes centre stage, regenerative farming practices like crop rotation and soil preservation could become essential to meeting new standards.
4. The Autumn Budget: Farmers and industry leaders anxiously await, fearing their operations could be sidelined in government priorities. With soaring production costs and mounting environmental challenges, the industry needs a lifeline—but as budget day approaches, the silence from policymakers is deafening.
Making yourself heard
The potato industry isn’t just about feeding the nation. It’s a vital part of our rural economy, our cultural heritage, and our future food security.
This is a transformative moment—those who act now will lead tomorrow. Make sure your voice is heard, whether through industry bodies, direct engagement, or by partnering with experts like Preston Waldon. In the world of policy-making, if you’re not at the table, you might end up on the menu.
