New residential Government has launched an industrial strategy for the UK economy. The White Paper entitled ‘Industrial Strategy – Building a Britain for the Future’ sets out a long-term plan to boost the productivity and earning power of the people in the UK. The 255 page report focuses on ‘5 foundations of productivity’;
- Ideas – the worlds most innovative economy
- People – good jobs and greater earning power for all
- Infrastructure – a major upgrade to the UK’s infrastructure
- Business Environment – the best place to start and grow a business
- Places – prosperous communities across the UK
The report includes a number of references to agriculture stating ‘we will put the UK at the forefront of the global move to high-efficiency agriculture’. It includes a new ‘ Transforming food production – from farm to fork’ programme which aims to put the UK at the forefront of advanced sustainable agriculture. The White Paper also reports that over the coming years, the CAP will be replaced with incentives to grow the markets for ‘innovative technologies and techniques’.
The report which was launched on 27th November appears to be full of nice ideals and lofty ambitions but a bit short on actual plans. And a lot of the policies that are in it seem to be stuff that has already been announced. The full paper can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/662508/industrial-strategy-white-paper.pdf