Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has assessed the potential merits of landscape models combining 70% environmental preservation with 30% productive agricultural land, such as CPR Verde, as a tool to meet government environmental targets.

Defra has made no assessment of such landscape models.

Defra’s revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP) and the Land Use Framework (LUF) set out how the Government will accelerate progress towards Environment Act targets over the next five years and help tackle the challenges posed by the nature and climate crises, while supporting growth.

The EIP recognises national food security relies on the restoration of a healthy natural environment and climate, and that farmers and food producers have a critical role in growing the food that feeds the nation and meeting our environmental targets. The LUF illustrates how a strategic approach means land can support a resilient food system, climate mitigation and thriving nature.

The Government has allocated a record £11.8bn to sustainable farming and food production over this parliament. Defra is targeting public money where it delivers most value – supporting nature, because all farms need healthy soils, abundant pollinators, and clean water to produce good food.