Support for Farmers Fuel Costs
2026-06-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Thornbury and Yate constituency have been facing significant rises in fuel costs, impacting their operations.
What steps her Department is taking to support farmers with fuel costs. During the nearly three months it took the Government to decide to cut duty on red diesel, farmers had already taken mitigation measures for fuel, energy, and fertiliser costs, especially with changing weather patterns threatening food security.
This Government have cut red diesel fuel duty by a third, reducing rates to their lowest level in 20 years. We are also consulting on plans to change fertiliser rules and working with farmers to boost efficiency of fertiliser use.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address whether other reliefs for food security will be looked at during the war continuation
Keeping All Plans Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Thornbury and Yate constituency have been facing significant rises in fuel costs, impacting their operations.
During the nearly three months it took the Government to decide to cut duty on red diesel, farmers in my constituency had already taken steps to mitigate costs for fuel, energy and fertiliser. With changing weather patterns also threatening food security, will the Department look at other reliefs for our farmers?
The government's decision to scrap the planned rise in fuel duty and cut red diesel duty is good news. We are keeping all plans under review and consulting on plans to change fertiliser rules so that farmers can diversify their sources of fertiliser.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address ensuring food security during the war continuation
Keeping All Plans Under Review
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Glastonbury and Somerton constituency are facing significant rises in red diesel and fertiliser costs, impacting their financial margins.
How quickly will applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 be processed? Can farmers with agreements expiring this year apply ahead of time?
We have recently published draft guidance for SFI 2026 and will open the first window soon for small farms and those without an agreement. We are looking at whether we can ensure that farmers with agreements expiring later this year or early next year can apply before their agreements expire.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm specific timelines for application processing and payments
Looking At What Can Be Done
Response accuracy