CONTRACTORS ARE VITAL FOR UK FARMING, SAYS NAAC
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has launched a manifesto to ensure that the importance of contractors is recognised in agricultural policy across the UK.
According to the UK body, over 91% of farms use a contractor and many farmers are now reliant on their services.
“In the run up to an election it is important to reflect on the vital input of our sector,” says Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive. “Contractors may be ‘farmers without land’ but they are leading a new era of professional land managers and need to be recognised in all relevant policy development. This is especially important as our sector, like farmers, continue to suffer due to the wet winter and spring.”
The NAAC manifesto states that contractors must remain at the forefront of Government funding and policy in order to bring forward new technology in agriculture. It also says that Government support is needed to cultivate the next generation of farm staff, whether working for contractors or farmers. Investment in training also needs to extend to contractors to help provide the next generation of technical operators on UK farms.
