Thread by @BDavisBriz

Looking forward to what should be a timely update & discussion on the government’s environmental land
management schemes #APPGEnvironment

https://twitter.com/EnvironmentAPPG/status/1526550414451257346

Lord Benyon discusses the work the government is doing with stakeholders, including the NFU, to reduce environmental impact of agriculture. Commits to 75% of UK farmers engaging in low carbon practises by 2030, increasing to 80% by 2035 #APPGEnvironment

Benyon moves on to the ELM schemes - which will include measures to improve biodiversity, decrease species decline, increase woodland planting, and decrease carbon emissions of agriculture & improve water quality #APPGEnvironment

Benyon notes that these schemes will also overlap with other government initiatives - particularly the River Basin Management Schemes, the Animal Welfare Plan, the Antimicrobial Resistance Plan as well as the government's overarching Net Zero goals #APPGEnvironment

In conclusion, Benyon believes that ELMs offer the opportunity to deliver on the stated goals of the Environment Plan. He calls on as many farmers and stakeholders as possible to get involved in the schemes #APPGEnvironment

The Minister now takes questions from attendees #APPGEnvironment

1st Q is on ensuring all 3 pillars of the ELM have parity and are open to smaller farmers. Benyon says funding is at similar levels of Basic Payment Scheme. Benyon says Govt is committed to "democratising" funding, so it does not all go to large landowners #APPGEnvironment

Benyon highlights the role of clusters, which allows farmers to work with other stakeholders in their catchment to deliver on the stated aims of the schemes #APPGEnvironment

When asked on when full list of standards will be published, Benyon says they are being rolled out "as quickly as possible" and the Govt is working proactively to ensure farmers know what they are with online & offline comms events #APPGEnvironment

On funding, Benyon says funding is committed up until 2024, by which point parties will put forward proposals for future funding. Says this govt is committed to ensuring that UK's farming subsidies help reduce our environmental impact #APPGEnvironment

Beyon is pushed on how DEFRA is measuring ROI, both as a Department but also farmers themselves - particularly with #CostOfLivingCrisis. Benyon notes 🇺🇦 conflict is impacting on wheat & fertilizer price #APPGEnvironment

Benyon says DEFRA in constant conversation with HMT & farmers to ensure that industry is being supported. Calls on farmers to reach out to DEFRA and their local MP for advice and support #APPGEnvironment

On a Q about large corporations buying land & planting non-native trees , and how Govt is balancing this with protecting arable land, Benyon says this is a challenge of #GreenFinance, rather than ELMS #APPGEnvironment

Benyon says green finance should not encourage “Greenwashing”, but rather encourage businesses to reduce carbon emissions first, but then engage in offsetting in a transparent & financially sustainable way #APPGEnvironment

On #RegenerativeFarming, Benyon is positive about the benefits of such practises, and hopes that the ELMS will encourage uptake and innovations in such practises #APPGEnvironment

Moving on to tree plantation, Benyon says Ministers from across DEFRA will be discussing England's Tree Strategy today. Recognises that our ancient & veteran woodlands are "unique" & have key role to play, but not all are well managed so work to be done #APPGEnvironment

Benyon also recognises farmers hesitancy for tree planting as, unlike meadows, there is "greater permanency" in trees - which is why Govt needs to incentivise not only planting, but management of trees #APPGEnvironment

Next, Benyon is asked about pesticides & nitrogen waste. Says integrated pest management is already a key part of the SFI scheme. #APPGEnvironment

On nitrogen waste, Benyon says that Govt initiatives on soil management and water management will help to reduce some of the negative impacts of nitrogen fertilizers on the wider environment, but acknowledges more needs to be done to reduce air pollution #APPGEnvironment

On the UK being the largest importer of timber & what Govt can do to, Benyon says timber security will be part of the England Trees Strategy, which is being discussed by Ministers. Recognises timbre is a carbon sink so should be a key part of Net Zero #APPGEnvironment

On water management, Benyon highlights the work that Govt is doing to support farmers to reduce the amount of agriculture-related pollutants entering our waterways, noting the strong emphasis in the Environment Act, and the levers it contains to achieve this #APPGEnvironment

In particular, this will include investment in slurry management, and ways of offsetting impacts of nutrient releases into water, through creations of wetlands etc #APPGEnvironment

Final Q is on how farmers can successfully pitch for schemes. Benyon encourages farmers to engage with DEFRA #APPGEnvironment

Very informative update on the Govt plans and aspirations for ELMS scheme. Thanks to Lord @RichardHRBenyon for your insights, to @CSkidmoreUK for chairing & @EnvironmentAPPG for hosting! #APPGEnvironment

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