Update from Johanna Musson
The past month has been a busy one for the NFU team in Lincolnshire as we have continued to represent members, raise local concerns with decision-makers and provide support on the issues affecting farm businesses across the county.
Fly-tipping
I had the opportunity to present the landowners' perspective at the Greater Lincolnshire Environment Crime Summit this month, using your examples from across Lincolnshire and neighbouring counties to demonstrate the financial, environmental and emotional impact this crime is having on farming businesses
I used the opportunity to promote key NFU policy priorities, including:
• A single, straightforward reporting system that directs incidents to the correct authority.
• Better communication with victims about actions taken following reports.
• Improved traceability of litter and waste.
• Greater public awareness of householders' responsibility for their waste.
• Stronger cross-border collaboration between enforcement agencies and local authorities.
My final ask was for Lincolnshire councils to use revenue from fixed penalty notices to assist with the removal of illegally deposited waste, ensuring greater support for victims of fly-tipping on both public and private land.
This was received well by the room, which included representatives from all councils in Lincolnshire. They understand that assistance is needed if they want landowners to report fly-tipping.
Since the conference, I have followed this up with the Environmental Crime Partnership and will continue to do so.
Farming Minister hears concerns from Lincolnshire farmers
NFU members met with Sir Nic Dakin MP and Farming Minister Stephen Morgan MP to discuss the recent SFI scheme rollout and wider farming issues.
The minister acknowledged that the current "first come, first served" approach is not working and said he wants to improve how schemes operate in future.Food security was highlighted as a key government priority.
Members raised concerns about:
• Problems accessing and applying for schemes
• Difficulties contacting the RPA during application windows
• Technical issues with online applications
• Poor communication around scheme opening times
• The need for a rolling application process to reduce pressure on farmers
Concerns were also raised about:
• Buffer strip options not transferring correctly into new applications
• Changes to guidance on educational visit options, making delivery more difficult
• Lack of funding support for school transport to farm visits
• The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, particularly the need for farmers to pay upfront and concerns about equipment price increases following grant announcements
The minister said government is working with industry representatives on future scheme design and is planning autumn workshops to help shape future support.
Other topics discussed included inheritance tax, bluetongue support, Brazilian beef imports, planning reform, skills and labour, and the need for clearer communication on the SPS deal. Farmers also highlighted concerns about the impact of planning delays on business diversification and renewable energy projects.
NFU members also met with Parliamentary Private Secretary to Defra. Lee Pitcher MP, and Shadow Secretary of State, Victoria Atkins MP, this month.
Dates for your diary
- 20 October 7pm
Webinar with NFU Water Resources Specialist, Mark Betson
Open to all NFU members - 27 October 7pm
Lincolnshire virtual county meeting
Open to all NFU members - 19 November, 6:30pm
Lincolnshire AGM
Guest speaker: Robyn Munt, NFU Vice-president
Open to all NFU members - 3 December
Tree Giveaway
Roy Wards Farms Ltd
Invites and more information to follow in the coming weeks
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