House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Our plan to back British farmers
20 February 2024 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government will double management payments for entering schemes up to 2,000 and extend these benefits.
- A 427 million grant offer will be launched to invest in sustainable farm businesses and infrastructure.
- Legislation to support farm diversification will be laid in April.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the government's plans to support British farmers by investing in sustainable farm businesses, productivity, infrastructure, and mental health services.
Action requested
The government will double management payments for entering schemes up to £2,000, extend these benefits, launch a £427 million grant offer, improve service delivery, introduce the Food Security Index, and create a £15m fund to reduce food waste. Legislation to support farm diversification will be laid in April.
Key facts
- Management Payment doubled up to £2,000 for agreements starting before March 2025.
- Largest ever grant offer of £427 million: £220m productivity and innovation, £116m slurry infrastructure, £91m animal health and welfare improvement.
- Enhanced Farming Equipment and Technology Fund at £70m, Improving Farming Productivity Fund from £30m to £50m.
- Legislation to cut planning red tape for farm diversification to be laid in April.
- Food Security Index to underpin yearly food security report (to become statutory).
- First draft of the index published during Spring UK Farm to Fork Summit.
- £15m fund to redistribute surplus food at the farm gate.