Gove announces plans to simplify farm support

Brexit: Defra Secretary says current system not fit for purpose

Defra Secretary Michael Gove yesterday announced that future farm support south of the Border will be simplified, focused on environmental measures and far removed from the “burdensome” demands of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Addressing English landowners at a Country Land and Business Association’s conference, the Secretary of State condemned the current system of farm support as “inefficient, ineffective, inequitable, and environmentally harmful”.

The Government is expected to publish an Agriculture Bill next year and Mr Gove promised to consult widely with the UK food and farming industry in the New Year. He also reminded his audience that the Government intended to go on supporting farmers specifically “where the environmental benefits of that spending are clear”.

Mr Gove described the UK’s decision to leave the EU as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to refocus how producers were supported, and emphasised that farmers needed to have ready access to funds to protect wildlife, enhance the environment and improve land use.

He announced changes to England’s Rural Stewardship scheme which will involve a simpler application process with half as much paperwork as before.

“But these measures are just the beginning – the first steps towards a simplified system of support,” he said.

“Over the coming weeks and months, we’ll be working closely with our farmers to make sure we listen to what they want as we design a new approach and realise our vision for the future of UK food and farming outside the EU.”

The Secretary of State also spoke about the opportunities for UK farmers and food producers to take advantage of changing consumer tastes and reap the rewards of quality and provenance.

Mr Gove promised to consult widely with the UK food and farming industry in the New Year.