The Future of Farming

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Subject: The Future of Farming

Dear MP,

As a farmer in your constituency, I am writing to you today with concerns about the government’s review of promises made to reform the agricultural sector, and how it will affect my future and the future of farming in the United Kingdom.

Given the war in Ukraine, some have said this government needs to prioritise food production in lieu of initiatives including the Environmental Land Management Scheme.

But as a farmer, I know this is a false trade off. A thriving natural environment, healthy soil, and a stable climate are vital conditions for productive and profitable food production.

We were promised agricultural policies that would make our farms the standard bearers for quality, sustainability and profitability.

Returning to old, inefficient and inequitable subsidies like the Common Agricultural Policy - which do not reward good practices, but merely enrich those with the largest areas of land - would be a poor use of public funds, and wholly against the direction of travel within the sector.

I want a productive and profitable sector where farmers like me are incentivised to work with nature, not against it. I want to be rewarded for my environmental stewardship as well as for my role in feeding the nation. I want a government that supports me in my ambition to create a sustainable, secure, and resilient food system.

The cabinet’s reckless attitude towards our finances and our futures has dominated the headlines in recent days - and farmers are as frustrated as everyone else.

I would urge you to contact the Secretary of State outlining these concerns, or raise a question in parliament demanding clarity on the future of British farming.

Yours,