The National Sheep Association (NSA) is exceptionally pleased to welcome Defra Minister of State, Mark Spencer and Programme Director for Defra's Future Farming and Countryside Programme, Janet Hughes, to the next in the NSA Breakfast Club webinar series, taking place this coming Wednesday 12^th July at 8.30am.

In this webinar attendees will hear Mr Spencer's own priorities and goals for agriculture, land management and the environment in England and gain a unique insight into where sheep farming might be headed in the years to come.
 
NSA Chief Executive, Phil Stocker, says: "It is a privilege to be joined by two of the most senior individuals within Defra to discuss the future of farming in England. The timing of the webinar is ideal following the recent announcements on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2023 that now joins a growing number of Defra financial offers. Along with discussions to be had on the current turmoil over stocking levels in several of our upland commons including West Penwith, Dartmoor and Bodmin, it is a unique opportunity for sheep farmers to ask their questions directly to two of the most influential decision makers for the future of UK farming.

"As we progress through the Agricultural Transition we are now at a point where Defra has on offer a range of new schemes that aim to encourage and reward environmental public good, and incentivise sustainable farming practices. The transition is not complete but the schemes on offer now are significant, particularly for farms needing to hold up Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) type income."

Mr Stocker continues: "Janet Hughes joining the webinar should be a further draw for attendees. Her team is responsible for transforming the way farming and the countryside is supported and regulated in England. Over the next few years, the programme will be closing down existing schemes and rules and replacing them with Environmental Land Management, grant support, innovation, research and development support and a new approach to regulation and enforcement. Janet's job is to make sure the programme delivers all this successfully and in a way that works for farmers and achieves the intended outcomes."
 
NSA is encouraging all interested parties to sign up for the free webinar by registering at www.nationalsheep.org.uk/events.