Country Land and Business Association (CLA) President, Mark Tufnell, said:

“In recent days we have heard persistent rumours that DEFRA is planning to row back on its commitment to Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.  We call on Ministers to bring these rumours to an end, not least because they only serve to damage confidence amongst farmers that the UK Government is serious about moving away from the Common Agricultural Policy regime.

“As farmers and land managers, we know that you do not have to choose between food production and improving the environment.  We can and must do both. Indeed, we know, as do DEFRA officials, that looking after your soil and supporting biodiversity – the cornerstones of the ELM schemes - actually benefits farmers as they go about their work feeding the nation.

“We stand ready to support DEFRA in making further improvements to the ELM policy.  It is a world-leading programme of which everyone – politicians, farmers, consumers and green campaigners alike – should be proud.”