Labour has criticised the poor take-up of Environmental Land Management (ELM) and claimed “chaos and confusion” around the agri-environment scheme has “spooked” farmers.
Labour said Defra’s inability to improve participation could mean some farmers in England will miss out on vital support payments, which are designed to protect food security and business stability.
See also: ELM scheme here to stay, Defra tells green lobby groups
A Defra response to a written question from shadow farming minister David Zeichner revealed that, as of 18 October, less than 2,000 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications have been submitted.
Around 4,450 farmers have started their applications, Defra said.
These figures include applications received for both the pilot scheme launched in 2021 and the early rollout of the scheme in June this year.
Mr Zeichner said the new Defra secretary, Therese Coffey, needed to move quickly to reassure farmers about the SFI budget, as the Basic Payment Scheme is phased out in England.
“It is no wonder that take-up of the Sustainable Farming Incentive has been pitifully low, when farmers have no guarantee that the goal posts won’t be moved again and support undermined,” Mr Zeichner said.
“The recent chaos and confusion around Environmental Land Management schemes has spooked farmers and environmentalists alike, and done nothing to help British farmers.”
Farmers Weekly has contacted Defra to request a response.
Back British Farming Day returns
Labour is supporting the NFU’s annual Back British Farming Day, which this year takes place on Wednesday 2 November.
The NFU says the day will “showcase the significant role that farming plays as the backbone of Britain’s rural economy, its communities and iconic environment”.
Celebrate Back British Farming Day!
1. Use the hashtag and tell us why you are passionate about British food and farming: #BackBritishFarmingDay
2. Get the social media frame: https://t.co/Nf2vMoX2Je
3. Find out about your Community Farming Hero: https://t.co/C2DsU07nZc pic.twitter.com/capoHyv8OU
— National Farmers’ Union (@NFUtweets) November 2, 2022
Starting in Westminster, Back British Farming Day celebrations will centre around winners of the NFU’s new Community Farming Heroes award, nominated by MPs.
Awards are given to those farmers and growers who have gone the extra mile for their local community and beyond.
In addition, MPs will be asked to wear their wheatsheaf pin badge, now an emblem of the day, to show their support.
NFU president Minette Batters said: “This year’s event comes at an extremely important time for British farming, and for the country.
“As the nation faces continued economic challenges, prime minister Rishi Sunak’s immediate priority will be to establish economic stability for the whole country.
“This includes for our farmers and growers who, like many households, continue to face significant challenges, including rising energy costs.”
