Agricultural Subsidies Debate
Full Debate: Read Full DebateDepartment: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Earl Cathcart
Main Page: Earl Cathcart (Conservative - Excepted Hereditary)Department Debates - View all Earl Cathcart's debates with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Agricultural Subsidies
Earl Cathcart Excerpts(6 years ago)
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Earl Cathcart (Con)
Would my noble friend agree that such environmental work has been undertaken by many farmers over many years? Some of the work is paid and some is not—like mine. Would he agree that food production must remain the prime objective for farmers, although not at any cost, obviously?
Lord Gardiner of Kimble
My noble friend outlines the importance of harmony. The economic benefit of pollinators and riparian strips, for example, to UK fruit, vegetable and oilseed rape production is estimated to be between £600 million and £700 million GVA per annum, so he is absolutely right. Yes, there are many examples of farmers, whether paid or unpaid, who have done a lot of environmental work. What we want to do with the environmental land management system is to enhance the environment and work with farmers.