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The transition from the old CAP to the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes has been described as mishandled, leaving small and tenanted farmers in a vulnerable position. Liberal Democrat agriculture spokesperson Tim Farron criticized the previous Conservative government for failing to prioritize food production, which has hindered farmer engagement with the ELM scheme. The phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) went smoothly, but the lack of a timely replacement and the failure to provide over £350m to farmers over the past three years has had severe consequences. Small tenant farmers and hill farmers are particularly struggling, facing financial losses and mental pressure. Larger farmers and landowners are expected to benefit more from the new schemes, while small family farms are being left behind. The Labour party’s policies are also facing scrutiny for potentially harming the “proletariat of the countryside.” Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, echoed these concerns, criticizing both the Conservatives and Labour for not understanding the needs of small farmers.
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Maria Sanchez completed her Bachelor’s degree in Plant Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in the USA. Her studies focused on plant genetics and biotechnology, with an emphasis on developing disease-resistant crop varieties. Maria has contributed to several research projects aimed at improving crop resilience to climate change and is now pursuing her Master’s degree in Plant Breeding.
