Farming reform to include public money for public goods
The Government has today unveiled a command paper for the Agriculture Bill, which it will now consult on for ten weeks. Campaign for National Parks has welcomed the consultation as a chance to make sure that those farming within the National Parks receive payments that deliver widespread environmental improvements in these beautiful areas.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Michael Gove called the plans to replace the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) a “once in a lifetime opportunity” and promised a system of “public money for public goods” – something Campaign for National Parks has been campaigning for.
Fiona Howie, chief executive of Campaign for National Parks wants the Government to “grasp this extraordinary opportunity”, saying: “it is essential we get the design of a new environmental land management policy right. It has been widely acknowledged that the CAP has led to some poor outcomes for land owners, farmers and wildlife but land management has shaped our National Parks and will continue to do so. This is an opportunity to make sure the landscapes within the Parks are healthier, more resilient and provide even more public benefits.”
Hay bales in the South Downs National Park. Photo credit: Richard Reed.
Campaign for National Parks looks forward to working with its partners to respond to proposals during the consultation period. We want to see farmers being incentivised to deliver widespread environmental change including tree planting and habitat restoration, which seek to enhance the beautiful and precious landscapes of National Parks.
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