Decision

This Council recognises:
 
·              
That farming is the backbone of the Warwickshire economy, creating
jobs, generating significant economic value, and putting food on
the tables of local residents.  
However, the farming industry in Warwickshire has been
significantly impacted by recent changes to the inheritance tax,
resulting in damaging consequences for the rural economy.
·              
That the farming sector unites Warwickshire, as we have significant
rural areas stretching from the North to the South of the
county.  This shared heritage connects
communities across the county through culture, livelihoods, and
landscape, and that farming is an industry which this Council is
proud to support.
·              
The dedication, hard work and resilience of the National Farmers'
Union, which has its HQ in Stoneleigh Park.  Their expertise on agriculture is an invaluable
asset to the county, and the County Council will continue to
closely work with them to develop targeted support for the farming
industry.
·              
That farming is central to Warwickshire’s cultural identity,
from rural sports and county shows to the landscapes. These
traditions bring thousands of people together each year, sustains
thousands of jobs and contributes millions of pounds into the local
economy.
·              
That food security is both a national priority and a local
responsibility, thus Warwickshire’s farming community can
play a key role in ensuring local communities have access to
locally grown, affordable and nutritious food, particularly for
households experiencing food poverty.
·              
That there is an opportunity to strengthen ties between farmers,
rural communities, and local organisations to build a more
resilient local food system that works for residents and supports
the long-term sustainability of farming.
·              
Recognises the significant spike in oil prices as a result of
conflict in the Middle East and the impact this has on
Warwickshire’s rural economy, particularly on the cost of
heating oil and diesel
·              
Notes the announcement of 16 March by the UK governrnment setting
out financial support obtainable for those in rural reas dependent
on heating oil through the Crisis and Resilience Fund from 1 April
2026.
 
This Council resolves:
 
To establish a cross-party Member working
group on supporting farmers and the rural economy. The group will
bring forward recommendations to Cabinet covering the following
areas:
 
·              
Using the rural support fund within the Council’s budget to
benefit the farming communities in both the North and South of the
county.
·              
Explore how the Council engages with rural community events,
including Parish Councils, District and County Councillors, farmers
and others, to listen to the experiences of rural communities and
identify how so the Council can best support them.
·              
Evaluate actions that can be taken to endorse farmers’
markets in Warwickshire towns and across our Country Park estate,
supported by the Council’s agricultural business support
offer and in partnership with the Portfolio Holder for Economy to
boost the rural economy.
·              
Preparedness of the Council to implement the Crisis and Resilience
Fund by 1 April 2026 when the Fund launches.
·              
Investigate the impact of the collapse of Warwickshire Rural
Community Council, including the loss of their Rural Oil Buying
Syndicate on Warwickshire residents and consider whether a similar
scheme could be created through the Warwickshire Rural Support
Fund.
·              
Establish how the Council can promote and expand the “Farm to
Fork” initiative in our work building on its aim to connect
residents with locally grown food, including:
 
o  
Supporting farmers to connect with schools, food banks, and
community organisations to strengthen food security across
Warwickshire.
o  
Exploring community-supported agriculture schemes and local food
partnerships that give residents a direct relationship with
farms.
o  
Supporting farmers to develop initiatives that enable them to
contribute surplus produce to those most in need, reducing food
waste while supporting households facing food poverty.