Farmers to get extra support as drought puts pressure on agriculture
Pressures on farmers will be eased by changes, says MP
Financial pressures faced by farmers and the agricultural sector will be eased by a package of newly announced measures, says a Shropshire MP.
“Our hard-working farmers, here in Shropshire and across the country, are at the very heart of our food security and our rural economy,” said Shrewsbury MP Julia Buckley.
“So I’m pleased to see, in response to the drought conditions we’ve experienced these past months, the Government has announced practical support to help farmers manage immediate pressures and prepare for the future.”
The MP said the measures included temporary Environmental Land Management (ELM) flexibilities which will allow farmers affected by the drought to either cut or graze ‘agreement land’ that is officially enrolled in stewardship schemes, create firebreaks, and adjust their planting windows without losing scheme payments.
There will also be £50 million extra made available for the Sustainable Farming Incentive that pays farmers and land managers for actions that improve the environment alongside food production.
Additionally, up to £15 million is being made available for on-farm reservoirs, and there will be easier access to water by simplifying Environment Agency water abstraction licenses.
Mrs Buckley added: “I had the pleasure of attending the brilliant Minsterley Show recently where farmers talked to me about some of the pressures facing them – including the pressures of the ongoing drought, so all this comes as really good news. I am pleased to see the Government are taking action that backs British farming and helps build a stronger, more resilient agricultural sector.”