A new Bill has been introduced to ensure farmers continue to receive Direct Payments for 2020. Charlotte Cunningham reports.
This week, the Government has introduced legislation to provide continuity for farmers across all four corners of the UK and ensure farming subsidies are paid for 2020.
The Direct Payments to Farmers (Legislative Continuity) (DPLC) Bill has been introduced in Parliament to give governments across the UK powers to administer direct payments to farmers for 2020.
It follows the Chancellor’s recent announcement confirming the same level of funding for direct payments for 2020 as for 2019.
New system of farm support
After this, the Agriculture Bill will provide a new system of farm support, moving away from direct payments in England towards an approach where farmers are paid public money for the ‘public goods’ they produce – such as enhancing air and water quality, tackling climate change or improving animal welfare.
A Defra spokesperson said: “Leaving the EU means we can take back control of agricultural policy and fund our own farm payments domestically.
“The Agriculture Bill, which will shortly be returning to the Commons, will see us move towards a new system that rewards farmers for enhancing the environment and producing the food we all enjoy in a sustainable way.
“The legislation we’ve introduced enables us to make Direct Payments to farmers for the 2020 scheme year – giving much-welcomed certainty to our farmers and food producers.”
