Major upgrades to UK farming schemes announced at Oxford Farming Conference
Environment Secretary Steve Barclay took to the stage at the Oxford Farming Conference last week to unveil major changes in the UK’s farming schemes.
Westminster hopes the latest updates – which include uplifts, streamlined application processes, enhanced environmental incentives and support for new technology – will help strengthen supply chains and keep production within the country.
The new schemes are geared towards farms of all types and sizes, replacing the former Common Agricultural Policy which saw 50 per cent of funding go to the largest 10 per cent of landowners.
Steve Barclay said: “Farmers do the essential job of keeping Britain fed. That’s why I’ll back British farmers and help support farming businesses.
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“We’ve listened to farmers’ feedback and set out the biggest upgrades to our farming schemes since leaving the EU, with more money, more choice and more trust to support domestic food production whilst also protecting the environment.
“We’re also making it easier for farmers of every farm type and size to enter the schemes, and I encourage everyone to take a look at how you can join the thousands of other farmers and land managers who are already receiving our backing through the schemes.”
Farmers are invited submit their applications for the 2024 offer from this summer.
They can expect to be paid for taking a range of actions under the new system, from improving soil health to providing nesting and foraging habitats for farmland wildlife.
Existing actions to protect the environment will also be rewarded. The price of, for example, maintaining species rich grassland is set to rise from £182 to £646 per hectare.
The offer also includes more actions for shorter length agreements of up to three years to make the schemes more accessible for tenant farmers.
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