Michael Gove vows to simplify support systems after Brexit

While any firm details on post-brexit farm policy might still be a long way off, the UK Environment Secretary, Michael Gove, yesterday gave what was likely to be a pointer to his chosen direction of travel.

Speaking at a rural business conference organised by the Country Land and Business Association, Gove said the current system of farm support was “inefficient, ineffective, inequitable, and environmentally harmful”, adding that his intention was to continue supporting farmers “where the environmental benefits of that spending are clear”.

He promised to use the opportunity offered by Brexit to make pragmat- 0 Michael Gove: Designing new approach on the cards ic changes to support systems, streamlining the process to “free up farmers to focus on what they do best”.

Stating that support measures would be simplified in the future, Gove also announced changes to existing English environmental schemes: “Today I have set out plans to improve our current schemes, starting with simplifying support for farmers to protect and enhance our landscapes and countryside.”

He said this move to cut down on paperwork was “just the beginning”, and continued: “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.”

Gove said consultation on an Agriculture Bill would begin in the new year, adding that there was a need to change the way the government invested in the countryside “so farmers can more readily access support to protect wildlife, enhance the environment and improve land use”.