Rural Taskforce Work Progresses as DEFRA Sets Out Growth Plan

Defra Secretary of State Emma Reynolds used her speech at the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) Rural Business Conference last week to set out the Government’s ambition for a thriving rural economy, emphasising that “when rural Britain succeeds, the whole country succeeds.”

As part of this wider focus on unlocking rural economic potential, the Government’s Rural Taskforce is playing a key role in identifying the barriers facing rural communities and shaping cross-government action. Kerry Booth, RSN Chief Executive, represents our members on the Taskforce, ensuring that the realities and priorities of rural areas are fully reflected as this work progresses.

The Secretary of State reiterated that the rural economy is central to the Government’s wider growth mission. Rural Britain contributes £259 billion to the national economy, supporting more than half a million businesses. Reynolds was clear that unlocking this economic potential requires genuine partnership between government, farmers, land managers, rural businesses, and communities.

Much of the speech focused on the immediate and long-term challenges shaping rural resilience, from extreme weather and water security to digital connectivity, transport, and rural crime. Reynolds highlighted ongoing investment in flood protection and drainage, alongside work with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities to clarify planning processes for on-farm reservoirs as part of wider water security measures. She also pointed to efforts to improve digital infrastructure through Project Gigabit and the Shared Rural Network, support rural bus services through the Bus Services Act, and strengthen action against livestock theft, machinery theft and fly-tipping through a new Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy.

Emma Reynolds also addressed the pressures faced by farmers and the need to improve profitability across the sector. Defra has published new farm income statistics showing encouraging increases, including growth in diversification and agri-environment income. She confirmed that the Farming Profitability Review, led by Baroness Batters, will be published before Christmas and will inform government work to support profitable, productive and sustainable farm businesses. This sits alongside ongoing investment in technology and innovation, new export market opportunities, and the appointment of the first Commissioner for Tenant Farming.

A significant section of the speech was dedicated to providing stability and clarity for future policy. Reynolds acknowledged that improvements to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) are needed and confirmed that the government intends to open the reformed scheme in the first half of next year. She committed to publishing the full details — including the budget, timings and eligibility criteria — well in advance to enable farmers to plan with confidence. The approach, she said, will be one of “evolution, not revolution,” strengthening what works while ensuring the scheme supports sustainable growth and long-term resilience.

Emma Reynolds concluded by emphasising that upcoming publications, including the Batters Review, the Environmental Improvement Plan, the Land Use Framework and the Farming Roadmap, will form a coherent strategy for rural Britain.

For RSN members, this direction of travel places the rural economy firmly at the centre of national policy thinking. Through the Rural Taskforce, RSN will continue ensuring that rural voices, evidence and priorities are reflected across government, and that the opportunities, challenges and potential of rural areas are fully recognised in the months ahead.