Last week, Julian met farmers and landowners near Bolton Abbey.
Fertiliser and energy costs were key topics of discussion along with the introduction of Environment Land Management Schemes (ELMs) under the Agricultural Act. Indeed, Julian has been paying very close attention to the transition away from direct payments and towards the new system with ELMs, including the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
Under the new system, farmers will receive subsidies for actions that benefit the environment – such as improving soil or grassland health – and have the ability to choose which aspects of the scheme work for them, allowing flexibility.
It is, of course, absolutely vital that the sought outcomes from recent policies in the agricultural sector have the support and participation of farmers and landowners. Julian will continue to engage with the local community as well as parliamentary and ministerial colleagues on these schemes.
