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A group of Conservative MPs and peers, including prominent figures like Claire Coutinho and Esther McVey, have penned a letter to the chancellor, urging her to reconsider proposed cuts to the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme budget.
The letter, signed by twenty-three Conservative MPs and peers and published in The Telegraph, highlights concerns that a £100m cut to the nature-friendly farming budget in England could jeopardize food security. The MPs and peers warn that such cuts would not only impact farmers’ livelihoods and environmental restoration efforts but also hinder the government’s ability to meet the 2030 nature recovery target.
The MPs and peers emphasize the importance of the ELM scheme as a replacement for the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which was criticized for its Environmental Impact. They stress that cutting the ELM budget would be a short-sighted decision that could harm both agriculture and the environment.
Critics argue that prioritizing short-term financial solutions over long-term environmental goals could undermine the progress made under the ELM scheme and affect the UK’s commitment to protecting 30% of its land and seas for nature by 2030.
Kitty Thompson, from the Conservative Environment Network, warns that adequate funding is crucial for the success of the ELM scheme and that cuts could have detrimental effects on agriculture and the environment.
The ELM scheme incentivizes farmers to improve environmental quality, soil and water health, and biodiversity, making it a vital component of the UK’s post-Brexit Agricultural Policy. The Labour government has expressed support for ELM but has not ruled out the £100m cut to the farming budget for England.
As the government faces significant budget constraints, there are concerns that financial pressures may lead to decisions that compromise environmental goals. It is crucial to prioritize funding for the ELM scheme to ensure the Sustainability of farming practices and environmental protection in the UK.
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SOURCE
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.
