Thank you for contacting me about farming and nature.
I greatly appreciate the concerns you raise here, as I recognise the importance of supporting farmers especially in the wake of the pandemic. Farming is undoubtedly an incredibly important industry to the UK and especially to the Ribble Valley.
I have recently visited a number of farms within the Ribble Valley and met with multiple farmers to discuss the current issues and concerns facing the sector. I also recently visited Gazegill, a local organic farm, and supported their restaurant launch of Eight at Gazegill, businesses such as this clearly demonstrate the hugely positive impact that farming can have on our communities, economy, and hospitality sector. It is in light of this that we must ensure we do all that we can to help support our farmers.
Additionally, I have recently written a letter to Steve Barclay, the Minister of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in support of our farmers and agriculture.
The valuable work of our farmers across the country is clear and I am assured the Government is committed to maintaining the annual £2.4 billion farming budget in England over this parliament. As part of the £2.4 billion, I am aware the Government aims to spend £688 million on rewarding farmers for environmental, climate and animal welfare outcomes this financial year.
I understand the Sustainable Farming Incentive aims to provide farmers with a diverse range of paid actions to manage hedgerows for wildlife, plant nectar-rich wildflowers and manage crop pests without the use of insecticides. These incentives intend to make food production more resilient and efficient over the longer term while contributing towards the UK’s environmental goals on carbon, biodiversity, water quality and net zero.
Further, I am aware Countryside Stewardship aims to provide financial incentives for farmers, foresters and land managers to look after and improve the environment. I understand the scheme protects the environment by improving water quality, air quality habitat, and natural flood management as well as increasing biodiversity and expanding woodland areas. I am aware that as of September 2023, there are now over 33,000 countryside stewardship agreements in place across England, which is a 94 per cent increase since 2020.
Rest assured, I appreciate your concerns and have written to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to convey your strength of feeling on this issue. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.
Best,
Nigel
The Rt Hon Nigel Evans - MP for the Ribble Valley
Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons
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