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Regenerative Farming and Climate Change
19 October 2021
Lead MP
Anthony Mangnall
Responding Minister
Victoria Prentis
Tags
TaxationClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 4285
Other Contributors: 3
At a Glance
Anthony Mangnall raised concerns about regenerative farming and climate change in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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.
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
Government Response
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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Assessment & feedback
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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.