Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Support for Farmers

Thursday 14 March 2024 · 6 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 6 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister offered to review individual cases of British farmers facing payment delays from DEFRA.
  • Secretary of State engaged in discussions on various initiatives to support the aquaculture industry.
  • Minister met with the new president of the National Farmers Union and is in ongoing discussions to address farmers' concerns.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers face financial and logistical challenges in the sustainable farming incentive programme.

Question

British farmers are facing concerns about the sustainable farming incentive, particularly regarding upfront payments. A farmer in North Shropshire installed a stone track to prevent soil from washing onto roads but faced payment delays from DEFRA. He had to repay the money and is now considering removing the track. Will the Secretary of State help with this case and improve payment processes?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I am happy to look at any individual case raised by the hon. Lady. I agree that payment processes need improvement, and we are working with the Rural Payments Agency to build a more trusting relationship to expedite payments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment on resolving the farmer's issue or changes in policy timelines

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Q2 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Economy Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The aquaculture industry needs support to create new businesses and sustain coastal communities.

Question

Fishermen contribute significantly to the economy as farmers of the sea. What steps is the Secretary of State taking to further support the aquaculture industry, especially in creating new businesses within our coastal communities?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I have been engaged with discussions on medical exemptions for boats under 10 metres and issues around pollack. I am willing to provide updates on a series of other initiatives as we progress.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or timelines for supporting new aquaculture businesses

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Q3 Anthony Mangnall
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers are uncertain about future plans and government support.

Question

Has the Secretary of State recently spoken to the National Farmers Union? The farmers feel stuck without a clear plan under this administration. What is his strategy for addressing their concerns?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I have met with the new president of the NFU, been on his farm, and had meetings with other key figures. My engagement is ongoing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific action plan or timeline for addressing farmers' concerns

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Q4 Barry Sheerman Lab
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers are limited by current planning rules in diversifying their income through activities like opening a farm shop.

Question

Visiting Church Farm in Weston Turville, the family highlighted the importance of diversifying income to ensure food security. Current planning rules restrict such activities. Will my right hon. Friend update on discussions with Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to ease these restrictions?

Answer from Steve Barclay

My focus is ensuring food production viability, but I am in advanced discussions with the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on extending permitted development rights.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific progress or timelines regarding diversification permissions

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Q5 Rob Butler
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers need protection from diseases like African swine fever, but DEFRA funding cuts and border check changes may compromise this security.

Question

Farmers require support against diseases such as African swine fever. The Port Health Authority in Dover has been seizing contaminated meat regularly. However, next month, DEFRA will cut its funding by 70%, moving checks inland. Why are the Conservatives risking farmers and national security?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I met with the chief veterinary officer yesterday to discuss bluetongue disease, a future risk. I am actively involved in discussions and planning roundtables next week.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions to mitigate risks from reduced funding for border checks

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Q6 Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Farmers face logistical issues in the sustainable farming incentive programme, with delays and financial impacts due to payment timing.

Question

Farmers have concerns about upfront payments required under the sustainable farming incentive programme. A specific case involves a farmer who installed a stone track but faced payment delays from DEFRA. He had to repay money he previously paid out and is considering removing the track. Will the Secretary of State help with this issue?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I am happy to look at any individual case raised by the hon. Lady. I agree that payment processes need improvement, and we are working with the Rural Payments Agency to build a more trusting relationship to expedite payments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or timelines for resolving this farmer's issue

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