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Environmental Land Management Scheme: Funding for Upland Areas
03 May 2023
Lead MP
Tim Farron
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Lib Dem
Responding Minister
Mark Spencer
Tags
TaxationClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 4210
Other Contributors: 0
At a Glance
Tim Farron raised concerns about environmental land management scheme: funding for upland areas in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Minister to clarify whether an economic assessment has been done on the impact of transitioning from CAP to ELMS on upland farms. If one exists, I urge the publication of this document immediately. Additionally, I request that the Government either pause the phase-out of BPS or accelerate the introduction of effective ELMS schemes for early next year to give farmers breathing space and ensure they can transition successfully.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the impact of transitioning from the Basic Payment Scheme to the Environmental Land Management Scheme on upland farmers, who typically rely on basic payments for over 50% of their income. Fewer than 30 farms out of more than 1,000 in my constituency have registered for the new scheme due to low payment rates and lack of clarity. Many are seeing a significant loss in income with no alternative sources of funding. Upland farmers face unique challenges such as restricted access to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) because of existing stewardship schemes, and lower per hectare payments compared to lowland areas.
Government Response
Mark Spencer
Government Response
Farming is the lifeblood of communities, and farmers play a crucial role in food production, environmental protection, and biodiversity enhancement. The Government has announced plans for environmental land management schemes (ELMS), which offer more than 130 actions tailored to upland farmers, representing over 60% of total available actions for all farmers. This includes improved application processes, increased rates, and broadened scope for countryside stewardship, as well as the introduction of a new online service for sustainable farming incentive (SFI) mid-tier applications. Farmers on common land can apply for SFI agreements with additional payments to cover administration costs. Landscape recovery schemes are also available for large-scale projects in upland areas, while farms in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or national parks benefit from the 'farming in protected landscapes' programme. Additionally, grants and free business advice through the resilience fund have been offered to support farmers' health and welfare reviews and innovation. The Minister criticised the Liberal Democrats for voting against new environmental schemes, claiming it would hinder food security and undermine existing countryside stewardship agreements. He highlighted the Government's record of support for farmers, including additional water management grants, visas for seasonal workers, robotics funding, pig contract regulations, slurry infrastructure upgrades, and geographical indication recognition for New Forest pannage ham. The Minister pledged ongoing engagement with farming communities to ensure schemes work practically for them.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.