Thank you for contacting me about environmental and agricultural regulations.
Given that South Devon is a rural community and home to many hundreds of farms, I want to make it absolutely clear that I am on side with your concerns. Over the last three years I have repeatedly spoken up for farmers as well as agricultural and environmental policy. These areas have become all the more important given the shocks to our supply chains from the pandemic, the impact of inflation and the effect of the war in Ukraine. It is therefore essential that we have a farming sector that is independent, resilient and flexible.
The recent announcement about removing EU laws does not mean a lessening of standards. In fact it is worth pointing out that in many cases the UK has higher animal and environmental welfare standards than the EU. A point that I frequently make in my role as a Member of the International Trade Committee. The changing of EU laws on to UK statute books should not be a cause for concern but a sign that we are going to provide more choices that individuals make for their farms, boost food production and agricultural productivity.
I believe these steps will boost the rural community while also fulfilling our ambition to be a food secure nation. The Government announced that it would review farming regulations, but can I again reassure you that neither Ministers nor I are looking to reduce environmental schemes that support our farmers as they look after our countryside. As you will know there are three pillars within the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMs), Sustainable Farming Incentive, Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery. These schemes are being tested and trialled and it is essential that they remain part of ELMs and I have seen nothing that suggests they are to be scrapped. However, it is important that they are working for agricultural community and receiving the necessary buy in from our farmers. I am pleased to be a part of the Conservative Environment Network and I fully recognise the value and importance of these schemes.
I am aware that the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said in his speech to the Conservative Party Conference that the Government will cut through the red tape that has held back our farms for too long. Ministers recognise that some farming rules and regulations have not done what they set out to do. I understand that the three-crop rule and greening requirements have already been removed and other changes will be announced in the coming weeks.
We have a huge opportunity to farm our land in a balanced way that supports food production and biodiversity. We must continue on the path that helps our wildlife flourish, our soil become healthy, and our landscape safeguarded for future generations as well as meeting the demands of the British public. Over the coming months I hope to help support new initiatives that will boost at-gate farm prices as well as improving local supply of food into local organisations.
I hope this reassures you.