At the National Farmers Union Conference in February, Rishi Sunak told farmers “I’ve got your back”. A package of new measures announced that month has provided a better deal for farmers. The Sustainable Farming Incentive is being enhanced. There will now be many more actions eligible, supporting sustainable food production while protecting and enhancing nature. A technology and equipment funding pot is being increased. This fund provides grants to farmers for equipment and technology that support improvements in productivity, slurry management and animal health and welfare. Conservatives want to make it much easier for farmers to diversify and develop new income streams such as farm shops and sporting venues. In East Hampshire, farming is a key part of our local economy: 73% of our land is agricultural and that’s why we are supporting tenant farmers at our County Farms with new infrastructure investment and helping farmers to access more subsidies through our ELMs (Environmental Land Management Scheme) Convenor Partnership.
