In this episode we’re raising the question of whether farmers should have a basic income or living wage? Peter is joined by Geoff Williams who farms on the Lizard in Cornwall and Professor Matt Lobley who is a Professor of Rural Resource Management and the Co-Director of the Centre for Rural Policy Research at the University of Exeter.
What is the average farm income? Should farmers be receiving some form of basic income or living wage? This is the focus for our discussion today.
Farming Focus is the podcast for farmers in the South West of England, but is relevant for farmers outside of the region or indeed anyone in the wider industry or who has an interest in food and farming.
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Timestamps
00:01 Cornish Mutual jingle
00:14 Peter Green introduces the show.
01:08 Matt Lobley summarises the challenges of farmers and the background regarding farm incomes.
03:08 What is the average wage for a farmer and how does this compare to the living wage?
04:48 Geoff Williams introduces himself.
07:00 What are the primary factors for Geoff that pressurise farm income?
08:30 How does the concept of a living wage for farmers feed into sustainable agriculture?
09:47 Thinking about sustainability there is a direction of travel with ELMs for example with an emphasis on the environment - is this right?
12:50 To what extent do the public value farmers providing public goods?
17:30 Defra's communications.
18:02 Member focus feature with James and Sarah Richards
20:50 The concept of a universal basic income in relation to farming.
22:10 What is the path forward to ensure that farmers receive a living wage?
24:10 Lots of different systems and what is happening in countries outside the UK?
25:00 The issue of new entrants.
26:40 Prospects for the future of the industry and barriers to entry.
27:47 Showstoppers.
30:08 Peter rounds up the episode