Ms Batters told the committee “we have to have a long term approach underpinned by sound science,” explaining that there currently isn’t much information on whether or not natural management methods are effective. On the storage of water on farmland she said “as long as it’s with agreement of the land owner and fits financially with the farming business we support on farm storage.”
When questioned whether CAP money was the right mechanism for paying farmers to manage watercourses Minette explained “pillar two isn’t the right mechanism…schemes only last five to ten years, which isn’t long term enough.” She told the committee that there needs to be “a national strategy, so everyone has access to functioning Internal Drainage Boards” and best practice can be rolled out across the country.
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For more information on the Committee’s inquiry visit their website.