Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Community Farming Projects

Thursday 19 October 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Christine Jardine inquired about steps to support community farming projects.
  • The Minister acknowledged the social benefits of community farms and cited a study showing significant returns on investment.
  • The Department welcomes community farms in England, offering various grants to support them.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP inquired about specific steps to support community farms, highlighting the significant social and economic benefits they provide.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support community farming projects. Figures from a social return on investment study show that every £1 invested in a community farm is worth £9 of community benefits through food production, new skills and community resources. In my constituency, Lauriston Farm is investing in a community orchard and gardens, outdoor learning and a community kitchen to help people pick up new skills and produce affordable food.

Answer from Mark Spencer

I pay tribute to those who are involved in that community project. As the hon. Lady will know, agriculture is devolved to the Scottish Government, and I hope they will use some of the £620 million a year that they are given to support Scottish farmers.

Not addressed: The specific benefits of community farms and steps needed for maximising their potential were not addressed

How: Changing Subject To Devolved Government

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Q2 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The MP asked about the steps being taken by her Department to support community farms, citing a social return on investment study that highlights significant benefits of such investments.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to support community farming projects. Figures from a social return on investment study show that every £1 invested in a community farm is worth £9 of community benefits through food production, new skills and community resources. In my constituency, Lauriston Farm is investing in a community orchard and gardens, outdoor learning and a community kitchen to help people pick up new skills and produce affordable food.

Answer from Mark Spencer

We welcome community farms in England, because they give local communities a chance to become involved in the countryside. Like any other farm, they may be eligible for a variety of grants enabling smaller farms to be supported more fairly. We have introduced a sustainable farming incentive management payment, and we have also extended the farming in protected landscapes fund until March 2025. The fund is open to farmers in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, allowing them to deliver projects to support nature, climate, people and places.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific benefits of community farms and steps needed for maximising their potential were not addressed

How: Changing Subject To Devolved Government

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How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)