Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 7
7
Paragraph: 37
We oppose any attempts to ‘game the system’ by investing in viable farming land purely...
Conclusion
We oppose any attempts to ‘game the system’ by investing in viable farming land purely in order to offset carbon emissions accrued by companies elsewhere. Tree planting schemes are an important pillar in attempts to preserve our natural environment for future generations and were never intended to be exploited to the detriment of current businesses or future generations of farmers.
Paragraph Reference:
37
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Attracting new talent into food and farming is vital for a sustainable and productive agriculture sector in England. As set out in the Agricultural Transition Plan 2021–2024, this Government will provide funding to create lasting opportunities for new entrants in England to access land, infrastructure and support to establish successful and innovative businesses. The new entrant scheme is being developed through a consultative co-design process with stakeholders, including representatives of local authorities with council farm estates, new entrants, providers of innovation support, cooperative and community land organisations and private landowners. As part of this process, we have been engaging with Welsh Government officials to learn lessons from previous young entrant support schemes in Wales, as well as support currently delivered to new entrants through Farming Connect. In January 2022, the Secretary of State for DEFRA announced plans for pilot incubators to support new entrants to trial some of the solutions emerging from the co-design process. The details of these pilots are being worked up, with the aim to launch the pilot scheme this year. These pilots will explore how the chances of new entrants accessing land and finance can be improved, and providers of land and finance will be closely engaged in the pilots. Following these pilots, we will consider whether there is a rationale for Government to provide capital grants for new entrants. The UK Government will share information about the operation of the scheme with the Welsh Government as the scheme progresses.