Ministers hope 'new deal' can help to reset relationship with industry

The government is aiming to reset its relationship with farmers with what it describes as a "new deal" for the industry.

- Helena Horton

Tens of thousands of farmers protested after changes were made to agricultural inheritance tax and the EU-derived subsidy scheme.

At the Oxford Farming Conference tomorrow, the environment secretary will announce a "new deal for farmers". The Guardian understands it will focus on making farming "more profitable and sustainable".

Steve Reed says he hopes to ensure farmers are paid more fairly for their produce, making them less reliant on subsidies. When Britain was in the EU, farmers were paid a flat rate for each acre they farmed under the common agricultural policy, which was designed to keep farmers on the land and maintain low food prices.