Ex-NFU president Baroness Minette Batters to head up new Gov farm department

Defra says role will boost farming's profitability and the rural economy as Labour pushes its New Deal for Farmers

Jane Thynne
Head of News and Business
clock • 2 min read
Former NFU president Baroness Batters has been appointed to lead Defra's farm profitability unit
Image:

Former NFU president Baroness Batters has been appointed to lead Defra's farm profitability unit

Former NFU president and farmer Baroness Minette Batters is to lead the Government's Farm Profitability Review, Defra has announced. The Crossbench peer has been appointed by Secretary of State Steve...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Politics

Upland farming pressures highlighted in Efra Committee meeting

Upland farming pressures highlighted in Efra Committee meeting

Issues involving income streams, access to agri-environment schemes and land management were discussed by upland farming representatives

Mia Willemsen
clock 10 September 2026 • 4 min read
From the editor: Food security cannot survive on warm words alone

From the editor: Food security cannot survive on warm words alone

Katie Jones
clock 10 September 2026 • 2 min read
Lib Dems call for bigger farm reservoir fund as £15m 'does not scratch the surface'

Lib Dems call for bigger farm reservoir fund as £15m 'does not scratch the surface'

The Liberal Democrats have called for a major expansion of Government support for on-farm water storage, warning the current £15 million fund is not enough to match the scale of drought losses

Tom Ryder
clock 09 September 2026 • 3 min read