Winter Newsletter 2023

Season's Greetings from the NFRU

Global Trade and Markets Poll 2023

Smaller farms fear the change in market conditions more so than the larger farms. Larger farms are more inclined to feel that society has a right to have a say in the way farmers farm their land, comparative to the smaller farms

Dairy farmers have the highest level of agreement that the biggest risk in farming is if we fail to adapt to changing market conditions whilst also feeling that global trade is an opportunity more so than the other enterprise types

These results make interesting reading, there are some differences between farm size and enterprise type but the results (to me at least) showed the following;

Farmers are keenly aware that society’s views on how they farm should be considered important. How informed the national debate is on farming, I’ll leave to the reader’s discretion. But it does highlight our need to get our voice out there to counteract some of the dubiously motivated narratives society is fed on our Industry.

Failure to adapt to market conditions has received a more mixed response, understandably. The reward for bending over backwards to placate market conditions perhaps not always in keeping with the effort involved. Although this would depend on the fairness inherent in the market in which an individual farm supplies. Those selling direct to consumers may have more trust here, having seen more obvious rewards.

The majority agree global trade is an opportunity, the key question here being “How?” The Author would argue a strong export market would go some way to resolving supermarket dominance in the fresh produce supply sector, but this is not straightforward now (or perhaps ever was).

Perhaps the most telling question is around the deeper understanding of farm numbers and their importance in the success of the farm, in which the majority disagree. We are told benchmarking and  performance indicators are key to successful business management, often by those involved in other industries. These suggest to me the modern farmer has had to have a very good understanding of his or her numbers to still be in the game. It’s not an area that needs deeper analysis.

Note. These views are the opinion of the author, not the wider company

In addition to the UK Charities, Kynetec is also proud to support…

Grow Asia Pacific

Grow Asia Pacific creates ethical & sustainable farming practices, providing farmers with the opportunity for sustainable growth in the Asia Pacific region. Our charitable donation will support initiatives to promote more inclusive, resilient and sustainable food systems in Southeast Asia.

Find out more about this charity - Grow Asia Pacific.

The Kahibalo Foundation

The Kahibalo Foundation focuses on conservation of the biodiversity of the Philippines. The foundation focuses on raising the environmental and conservation awareness of Filipino citizens. The charity conducts research on Philippine species, and educates local people to preserve the environment.

This charity was founded by Filip Wojciechowski, Head of Research Success in EMEA for Kynetec. To find out more about this charity, go to Kahibalo Foundation.

Cruz Roja Guerrero

Cruz Roja Guerrero helps millions of people get the support they need when crisis strikes. The charity enables networks of volunteers, communities and donors to collaborate and offer services that aims to preserve health, life, and supports those in vulnerable situations

Take a look at Cruz Roja Mexicana for more information about this charity.

The Bee Conservancy

The Bee Conservancy is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting bees, safeguarding the environment, and securing food justice through community-based education, research, habitat creation, and advocacy. They strive towards a day when all bee populations thrive in protected habitats, and are supported by an engaged global network.

Find out more about the The Bee Conservancy.