Environmental Land Management Schemes 2023-02-23
2023-02-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about the clarity and detail of support measures available to farmers under new environmental initiatives.
What steps her Department is taking to support farmers through environmental land management schemes. I know from the National Farmers Union conference this week and from conversations with the Buckinghamshire committee of the Country Land and Business Association that detail is still missing that would give farmers the long-term certainty they need.
We will continue to publish more information on our environmental land management schemes this year. That includes further details by the summer on the new actions that will be made available through the sustainable farming incentive and the countryside stewardship scheme.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The exact timing and full detail of specific measures were not provided, only a general commitment to publish more information by the summer.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP highlights ongoing concerns among farmers about the lack of detailed information necessary to make informed decisions under new agricultural policies.
I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that answer. The £168 million farming investment fund, the six new standards in the SFI and the ELMS prospectus are good news and good progress, but I know from the National Farmers Union conference this week and from conversations with the Buckinghamshire committee of the Country Land and Business Association that detail is still missing that would give farmers the long-term certainty they need. I urge him to get the full detail of the schemes on the table as soon as possible.
We will continue to publish more information on our environmental land management schemes this year. That includes further details by the summer on the new actions that will be made available through the sustainable farming incentive and the countryside stewardship scheme.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific detail requested was not provided, only a general commitment to publish more information by the summer.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The MP references a popular television programme hosted by Jeremy Clarkson that provides an insight into the difficulties faced by farmers in modern agriculture.
I am not usually a fan of Jeremy Clarkson, but I have been absolutely addicted to his television programme and the ventures of Diddly Squat farm. Does the Minister agree that that programme gives people a real insight into the bureaucracy and complications of the schemes? It is very complicated for farmers who want to earn a living and feed the nation. Will he visit Clarkson's farm to give him a bit of support?
I join the hon. Gentleman in paying tribute to Mr Clarkson and what he is doing to advertise what is happening in the agricultural sector and some of the challenges it faces. The hon. Gentleman should bear in mind that the series was filmed before we announced lots of the detail about our ELM schemes, so some of the criticisms that are levelled at the Department have now been resolved and that information is out there.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The request to visit Clarkson's farm for support was not addressed directly.
Changing Subject
Providing Historical Context
Response accuracy