Whitehaven and Workington MP Josh MacAlister has written to the Environment Secretary following his latest roundtable meeting with local farmers, held in partnership with the National Farmers’ Union (NFU).
The meeting was part of a series of regular discussions Josh holds with local farmers to hear directly about the challenges facing their businesses and the support they need from government.
A wide range of farming issues were discussed, with a key focus on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Farmers raised a number of concerns about the scheme and put forward practical suggestions for how it could be improved, alongside other issues affecting the future of farming in West Cumbria.
Josh committed to raising every concern and suggestion directly with the Environment Secretary, Dame Angela Eagle, and has now written to her setting out the points made during the meeting.
The Government has committed to introducing a new SFI scheme in 2027, scrapping the first-come, first-served application process and working with farming organisations to develop a fairer and simpler system.
Josh MacAlister MP said:
“Farming is hugely important to West Cumbria. Our farmers work incredibly hard, often in difficult conditions, producing the food we rely on and looking after our countryside.
“That’s why I get out visiting as many local germs as I can and hold regular meetings with local farmers, working alongside the NFU, so I can hear directly from them about the issues affecting their livelihoods and what needs to change.
“We covered a lot of ground at our latest meeting, but one of the big issues was the Sustainable Farming Incentive. I heard some real frustration. The Government has committed to changing the system for next year, including getting rid of the first-come, first-served approach. But it’s important that those changes are informed by the people who actually work the land.
“I’ll continue working closely with our local farmers and the NFU to make sure their voices are heard and that government support works for farming businesses here in West Cumbria.”
Dame Angela Eagle MP, Environment Secretary, said:
“I want to thank Josh for bringing local farmers together. Josh is a strong champion for local farmers, making sure their concerns and ideas are heard at the heart of Government.
“As we develop SFI27, I want farmers in West Cumbria to know that I’m listening to their views and determined to create a fairer scheme that gives them the confidence to invest in both the long-term future of their businesses and the natural environment.”
Catherine Stokes, County Adviser for Cumbria for the NFU, said:
“We welcome the opportunity to meet regularly with Josh and discuss the issues that matter to farmers across West Cumbria.
“There are some real concerns in the farming community about the future of SFI, particularly the need for a fairer application process and greater certainty so farmers can plan ahead and invest in their businesses.
“It’s important that farmers’ experiences and practical suggestions are taken into account when decisions are made about the next scheme.
“We appreciate Josh taking the time to listen and following up on the issues raised directly with the Secretary of State. We’ll continue working with him to make sure the needs of local farming businesses are properly understood.”