Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Agricultural Policy: Farmers

Thursday 4 March 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister has been working with over 3,000 farmers since 2018 through 72 tests and trials to inform future agricultural policy.
  • Department provided around 75 million to farmers over the last three years to help them purchase new and innovative technology.
  • New farming investment fund will offer grants from autumn to support further technological adoption in agriculture.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Miriam Cates
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP seeks to understand the measures taken by the government to consult and engage directly with farmers regarding future agricultural policies. This is relevant as farmers' feedback and insights are crucial for developing effective policy.

Question

What steps he is taking to consult and engage with farmers on future agricultural policy?

Answer from George Eustice

Since 2018, we have been working with over 3,000 farmers to build up ideas and gain their insights through 72 tests and trials. We are using a co-design approach that includes the sustainable farming incentive pilot, which will open for expressions of interest shortly.

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Q2 Miriam Cates
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP highlights a dairy farm in Penistone that uses innovative technology to improve efficiency and yield. She seeks information on how the government's Department supports similar initiatives by removing barriers to technological adoption for farmers.

Question

Last year, I visited a dairy farm near Penistone in my constituency that is using new technologies to increase efficiency and improve yields. Can my right hon. Friend tell me how his Department is supporting farmers to remove barriers to adopting new technologies?

Answer from George Eustice

Over the last three years, we have provided around £75 million to farmers to help them purchase new and innovative technology. The new farming investment fund will offer grants from autumn this year to support further technological adoption in agriculture. We are also launching research and development syndicates for individual farm businesses.

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