Farming News - Farming Secretary meets Norfolk farmers at Defra roundtable
News
Farming Secretary meets Norfolk farmers at Defra roundtable
Farming Secretary Thérèse Coffey has (on Friday 12 May) hosted a roundtable with the National Farmers Union to discuss progress with the roll-out of the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.
She toured Lodge Farm in North Norfolk, which is a specialist potato producer and contract farms arable land, before meeting East Anglian farmers for talks on seasonal labour, tenancies and the Plan for Water among other topics.
From safeguarding the UK’s food security to discussing how farming and nature can and must go hand in hand, the roundtable covered a wide range of important issues, both for farmers who are already signed up to our schemes as well as those thinking about joining.
Detailed plans for the government’s Environmental Land Management schemes were announced earlier this year, supporting farmers to produce food profitably and sustainably, with something on offer for every type of farmer, through our selection of ongoing schemes and one-off productivity grants.
Farming Secretary Thérèse Coffey said:
“Today’s roundtable was an opportunity to hear more about the innovations arable farmers are making to extend their growing seasons, as well as listening to the challenges they face and where government can help.
“The National Farmers Union, like myself, are champions for the countryside, and I thank the Norfolk branch for gathering this diverse mix of East Anglian farmers together to hear more about how they're producing food whilst protecting nature and enhancing the environment through our Environmental Land Management schemes."
Next week, the government will host the UK Farm to Fork Summit, bringing together government and representatives from across the food supply chain to step up cooperation and promote all elements of our world-renowned farming and food industries.
The event will look at how government can champion UK food and drink both at home and abroad by boosting confidence, helping more businesses invest in domestic production and supporting the long-term resilience and sustainability of the UK food sector.