Dr Mitchell delivered a strong message to MPs on the need for clarity around Environmental Land Management schemes and the farming budget.
She said that farmers are ready and willing to deliver for nature but they need the confidence to invest and make long term commitments to schemes.
Environmental goals and food security
She stressed that targets for food production and food security need to be integrated alongside environmental goals in a comprehensive plan for farming. Dr Mitchell also highlighted the NFU’s principle of making land more multi-functional alongside food production, rather than taking land out of production altogether.
Farmers are a crucial part of the government’s plan to deliver on its legally-binding targets for nature restoration and a healthy environment.
Coordination
Dr Mitchell told the committee she hoped that the forthcoming Land Use Framework and Farming Roadmap would provide a clearer policy framework for farmers, but noted that the NFU’s annual survey showed farmer confidence to be at an all-time low.
She explained that, in order to improve confidence, government plans must work together to provide a broader vision. She emphasised the need for proper co-ordination and join-up not only across Defra but also other relevant departments such as those for Health, and Energy Security and Net Zero.
Dr Mitchell also advocated for greater consideration of agriculture in the government’s National Adaptation Programme. She noted that farmers are on the front line of climate change, and soil health and water management are essential for the long-term viability of their businesses.
SFI and ELMs
Dr Mitchell welcomed Defra’s commitment to work with farmers on the details of the renewed SFI offer but made it clear that SFI must be accessible and relevant to all farm businesses.
She emphasised the importance of smooth transitions and co-ordination between the different Environmental Land Management schemes in allowing farmers to plan for their businesses.
She also highlighted the potential in private finance markets, particularly for biodiversity net gain and nutrient neutrality, but argued that maintaining demand required establishing clear regulatory frameworks.
Waste crime
Committee Chair Toby Perkins, Labour MP for Chesterfield, noted that waste crime is an increasingly prominent issue and asked about the impact on farmers’ quality of life.
Dr Mitchell said that fly-tipping, and rural crime more generally, is a major concern for farmers. She welcomed the EIP’s (Environmental Improvement Plan) commitments to cracking down on illegal waste sites, tracking waste, and reforming carriers and brokers legislation.
Dr Mitchell called for a single reporting mechanism for waste crime on farmers’ land, adding that farmers often “get passed from pillar to post” between the police, local authorities and the Environment Agency. She also emphasised the importance of effective intelligence-sharing between these organisations.
