Watch: Budget a 'missed opportunity' for growth, says CAAV Secretary

Posted 14 November 2024

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The first Budget of the new Government was a missed opportunity to use the momentum of a massive majority and go for growth – both nationally and rurally.

That was the message from Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Advisor to the Central Association for Agricultural Valuers, in a guest lecture given to students and staff at a full lecture theatre at 五一吃瓜最新官网– and seen live online by more than 70 alumni and industry viewers.

Mr Moody set out some of the ways in which industry bodies such as the CAAV could help farmers and food producers meet the challenges ahead.

He said: “This is, anyway, even before anything in the last few days, the most fascinating and challenging and interesting decade for professionals serving the rural economy.

“We have changes in policy in each part of the United Kingdom, quite radical changes – we have discussions of productivity, we have discussions of the environment, we have the challenges of climate change, we have all the new technologies.

“We have all the other issues that are coming along, and everybody with a farm, with an estate, with an interest in rural land or rural business is in increasing need of good, personal and relevant advice to help them – and that’s what we do.”

He also spoke about the role rural professionals play in responding to current events – noting that there was no shortage of news to respond to.

He added: “It’s really been quite a week – it started with the Budget, and it finished with the American election. That’s the sort of week that makes the overnight collapse of the German Government seem quite tame!

“But it’s massive, and this simply adds to everything that we face. Obviously, we wait to see, after January, what Trump will do – he has almost a level of control of the American political system that has probably been unparalleled for over 80 years.”

He analysed the new Labour Government’s plans for infrastructure, energy and housing – and explored some of the challenges and opportunities each holds for both the Government and for rural professionals and their clients.

He also analysed the first Budget under new Chancellor Rachel Reeves – and what he described as a ‘missed opportunity.’

He added: “The language is there - and she said ‘we know what we have to do to