The government has published the long-awaited Agriculture Bill which seeks to steer UK farm policy towards one which invests more in the environment.
Defra Secretary Michael Gove's legislation will encourage the industry to deliver a cleaner environment after nearly half a century under EU rules, he has announced today (12 September).
The Agriculture Bill sets out how farmers and land managers will in future be paid for “public goods”, such as better air and water quality and improved soil health.
This will replace the current subsidy system of Direct Payments, which Mr Gove calls "ineffective".
The current system pays farmers based on the total amount of land farmed, which favour the largest landowners. For example, the top 10% of recipients currently receive almost 50% of total payments, while the bottom 20% receive just 2%.
'Green Brexit'
In its place, a new Environmental Land Management system will start from next year, the bill states.
The government will now work together with farmers to trial the new approach. Under the new system, farmers and land managers who provide the greatest environmental benefits will secure the largest rewards, laying the foundations for a 'Green Brexit'.
There will be funding available for farmers to come together to develop and get the research projects that they want, whether that be on soil health or sustainable livestock farming .
Mr Gove says this will lead to "practical gains" for farmers that help them become more profitable and reduce their environmental footprint.
The government will also be able to make payments during the seven year transition period for famers to invest in new technologies and methods that boost productivity.
'Brighter future'
Mr Gove said the introduction of the Agriculture Bill is an "historic moment" as the UK leaves the EU and move towards a "brighter future for farming".
"After nearly 50 years of being tied to burdensome and outdated EU rules, we have an opportunity to deliver a Green Brexit," he said.
For 2019, Direct Payments will be made on the same basis as now, subject to simplifications where possible.
Direct Payments for 2020 will also be made in much the same way as now. Simplifications will be made as soon as possible, subject to the terms of the overall Brexit implementation period.
There will then be an agricultural transition period in England between 2021 and 2027 as payments are gradually phased out.
Reduction
All farmers will see some reduction to their payments from the start of the transition, although those who receive the highest payments will see bigger reductions initially. The government says will free up funds to invest in public goods.
To help new entrants get into the sector, Direct Payments during the agricultural transition period up until 2027 will be “delinked” from the requirement to farm the land.
These payments, which may be calculated according to money received in previous years, can be used by farmers to invest in their business, diversify their activities or else retire from farming and give way for new people to enter.
Transparency
The bill also sets out how the government will strengthen transparency in the supply chain to help farmers get a better deal in the marketplace.
By collecting data from across the supply chain, food producers will be able to strengthen their negotiating position at the farm gate and seek a fairer return.
The introduction of the Agriculture Bill now means that all the necessary measures will be in place for the start of the agricultural transition in 2021.
