Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Regenerative Farming and Climate Change

19 October 2021 · 3 other contributors · 4,285 words

Opened by Anthony Mangnall Con Totnes

Responding minister: Victoria Prentis

ClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Anthony Mangnall raised concerns about regenerative farming and climate change in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Farming in the UK is transitioning from basic payment schemes to the environmental land management scheme (ELMS) to promote public good.
  • Farmers face challenges including climate change adaptation, upskilling, and ensuring food security while shifting practices.
  • The Government aims to support regenerative farming through pilot schemes and collaborations with water companies and businesses.

Key requests to Government

The Government should provide clarity on the new subsidy scheme (ELMS), support farmers in upskilling through agricultural colleges and university courses, establish standards for measuring soil carbon sequestration, encourage private sector involvement with fair verification systems, and foster collaboration between water companies, farmers, and other businesses to promote environmentally friendly farming practices.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Anthony Mangnall Con Totnes

Farming in the UK is at a crossroads due to the transition from the basic payment scheme to the environmental land management scheme (ELMS). The method through which farmers are subsidised and supported is changing fundamentally, aiming for public money for public good. However, this shift comes with significant challenges such as addressing climate change, upskilling, measuring carbon sequestration, and ensuring food security. Intensive farming has led to issues like flood events, topsoil loss, pesticide resistance, and plateauing yields despite higher inputs.

Other contributors (3)
  • Jake Freestone

    Congratulates Anthony Mangnall for his speech about regenerative agriculture and the need to cooperate with DEFRA and private organisations to help people learn and upskill.

  • Jonathan Edwards PC Carmarthen East and Dinefwr

    Supports the debate's focus on regenerative farming and suggests a cultural shift towards consuming more nutritious food in lower quantities. Is the Minister concerned with policy in trade negotiations with countries that have farming systems opposite to the vision set out for regenerative farming? Doing deals with such countries undermines domestic efforts.

  • Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley

    Highlights the work of farmers practising regenerative farming, such as Jake Freestone, who won environmental champion farmer of the year at this year's Farmers Weekly awards, and asks for congratulations.

Government Response

Victoria Prentis

The Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs outlined the Government's programme aimed at supporting regenerative farming practices. This includes introducing a new system tailored to farmers' long-term interests through sustainable farming incentive pilots, local nature recovery strategies, and landscape recovery schemes. She highlighted various techniques such as winter cover crops, integrated pest management, and cultivating crops alongside rearing livestock to enhance soil health. The Minister also mentioned the launch of a written ministerial statement on the soil health action plan, which includes details on developing healthy soil indicators and monitoring methodologies.

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