NFU environment forum chair Richard Bramley writes:
It is well understood that we have an issue with the very environment which sustains us. It’s not in a great state.
Government has been busy this week with three key documents launched on the same day to address aspects on trees, peatland and species re-introduction. All three plans have the potential to impact farming and will require good farmer engagement. Yet on reading them, what stands out is very little reference to farming.
'Concerning elements' in the action plans
The England Tree Action Plan is well thought out. Support for ‘home-reared’ saplings is welcome, as is support for agro-forestry. But the nutty issues affecting tenant farms have not been addressed, nor the fact that trees, once planted, are a permanent change. That land won’t be farmed again.
The England Peat Action Plan also has some concerning elements. The impact on farming isn’t clear – something which is especially pertinent to our vegetable producers and relevant to our reliance on imports and food security.
Then there is species re-introduction, which when considering beavers, Defra is already taking a ‘positive view’ on prior to the consultation this summer. Is there something the farming community should know?
Farming has huge potential to build on the good work achieved so far, often in difficult circumstances – the weather, farmgate prices or a future so full of change it makes planning anything difficult.
We need joined-up thinking
What is missing from these ‘standalone’ announcements is the joined-up thinking. We’ve some really big issues facing us: the need to continue building on the improvements to the environment many farms have been working on for years; the continued, seeming lack of value, of our high standards of production and food chain focus on price; our diminishing ability to feed ourselves; and the huge change that our farming businesses are facing with policy reform (much of which is scant on detail), to name a few.
Oh, and then there are those trade deals… does it really make sense for this small over-populated island to look to undermine its rural economy with food imports that are potentially doing more environmental harm that the perceived gains within these shores?
Defra must engage with farmers
In the coming weeks, the Environment Bill will get its final reading in parliament, further details are expected of the SFI Pilot and SFI22, and there’s the consultation on a ‘retirement package' for farmers.
It’s getting busy and proper engagement between Defra and farming representatives is imperative to getting the balance right and achieving the positive outcomes we both desire and can achieve.