Confidential financial details involving more than 1,500 farms will be strictly protected as Defra strives to deliver better policies for agriculture, says the government.
It follows a decision that Defra’s annual Farm Business Survey for England will be delivered by a commercial company – instead of by six university departments that have conducted the study since 1936.
The voluntary survey – currently involving some 1,800 farms in England – is the largest and most extensive of its kind.
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The financial data it includes helps inform government policies for agriculture and farm support levels.
After an open tendering process, the survey will now be run by Promar International – as a ring-fenced activity away from the company’s other activities.
The idea is that any farm data will be used only for statistical and analytical purposes as directed by Defra.
But some farmers have voiced concern that sensitive information could fall into the wrong hands.
One farmer said moving away from university researchers to a commercial company was “inherently less reassuring to participants”.
A Defra spokesperson described the survey as “an invaluable tool to help us evaluate and inform government plans since the 1930s – making sure our policies work for farmers and growers across the country.
“As well as improving the survey data, our partnership with Promar will reduce the time it will take for farmers to contribute, while also offering them free access to Agstute farm financial management software and tailored feedback on business performance.”
Promar International said any data would be treated in the strictest confidence in line with GDPR legislation and contractual requirements.
It would only be used for analysis purposes and not be shared with any third parties.
