The debate was secured by the MP for Barnsley, Dan Jarvis, and focused largely on the forthcoming England Tree Strategy, which is due to be published in the new year, alongside a summary of responses from the consultation that ran over the summer. The strategy will set out the government’s forestry policy through to 2050.
- NFU members can access the briefing, that was sent to all MPs, here:? NFU Briefing Trees Strategy Debate Dec 2020
- NFU members can read our consultation response here.
Environment minister Rebecca Pow and shadow Defra secretary Luke Pollard were among the MPs that spoke on the importance of planting more trees, which is now a key part of the government’s strategy to combat climate change, help reduce carbon emissions, encourage biodiversity and nature recovery, and improve people’s health and wellbeing.
During the debate, MP for Totnes Anthony Mangnall highlighted that future policy must “marry up farming and tree planting as effective tools for lowering emissions", reinforcing the NFU’s view that caring for the environment and food production goes hand-in-hand:
At yesterday's Westminster Hall debate on the National Tree Strategy, @AnthonyMangnal1 outlined the important role that grassland plays, alongside trees, in capturing carbon ????
— NFU Political (@NFUPolitical) December 17, 2020
The principle of the 'right tree in the right place' is vital
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Environment minister Rebecca Pow thanked Mangnall for his important point and agreed that the principle of “the right tree in the right place” must be adopted:
“We know that tree planting is not suitable for all locations, so we will work to ensure that the vision showcases how we can deliver tree planting that is sensitive to protected landscapes and complements our heritage. We obviously need to ensure they work in harmony with habitats, such as our peat lands and the uplands, and we will link up with the peat strategy to ensure that we have the trees in the right place.”
Mangnall also cited the NFU when highlighting that taxation can be a barrier to alternative permanent land use:
“The point has been well made by the NFU that taxation must never get in the way of those who are trying to plant trees. Agricultural property relief or business property relief may not be available to those who take away their land from farming and put it to tree planting.”
More from NFUonline:
- Read the NFU's response to the England Tree Strategy consultation
- 26 ways farmers are doing their bit for net zero
- NFU says environmental targets must be backed by policies that enhance food production
