Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Support for Hill Farmers — [Mr Peter Bone in the Chair]

12 February 2020 · 2 other contributors · 4,349 words

Opened by Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

Responding minister: George Eustice

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Tim Farron raised concerns about support for hill farmers — [mr peter bone in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Hill farmers in South Cumbria face significant challenges due to the phase-out of the basic payment scheme before the environmental land management system is ready.
  • Farmers rely on an average of 85% of their income from the basic payment, yet the Government plans to proceed with the transition.
  • The MP urges the Government to delay the phasing out of the basic payment until ELMS is fully operational for all farmers.

Key requests to Government

I urge the Government to delay the phasing out of the basic payment until ELMS is fully operational for everyone. The Minister should also ensure that ELMS is delivered only to active farmers and not bypass existing ones in favour of other landowners. I further request the expansion of the Groceries Code Adjudicator's remit to cover the whole supply chain and the inclusion of natural flood management schemes under public goods.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale

Hill farmers in South Cumbria are facing significant challenges due to the phase-out of the basic payment scheme from January 2021, before the environmental land management system is ready. The average livestock farm income relies on 85% from the basic payment, yet the Government insists on proceeding with this transition despite concerns raised by organisations such as the National Farmers Union and Tenant Farmers Association. Projections suggest significant reductions in farm business incomes by 2024 and a net loss of income by 2028, threatening food security and environmental benefits.

Other contributors (2)
  • Jonathan Edwards PC Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

    Congratulates the hon. Gentleman for securing the debate, agreeing that farmers are part of the solution to strategic objectives, and urges the four Governments of the UK to work with the farming community. When British Cabinet members mention trade barriers or the Prime Minister looks forward to importing Ugandan beef, does this alleviate or heighten anxieties in rural communities?

  • Scott Mann Con North Cornwall

    Does ELMS aim to repopulate rivers with salmon and sea trout through upland farming?

Government Response

George Eustice

The Government intends to move away from area-based payments in the Agriculture Bill, focusing instead on rewarding farmers for delivering public goods. The Minister highlighted ongoing trials and plans to launch a full scheme rollout by 2024. He also noted the importance of hill farming areas, emphasizing that around £1 billion annually is generated from sheep farming. The Government aims to secure zero tariffs on lamb exports to the EU in future trade negotiations.

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