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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to restore confidence among farmers in environmental land management and stewardship schemes.

Defra remains committed to supporting farmers through Environmental Land Management and stewardship schemes. We are working with the RPA to improve scheme delivery. We are also strengthening our communications with farmers, providing clearer information and greater certainty where possible. We are focused on ensuring these schemes support both profitable farm businesses and environmental outcomes.

Defra is committing £1.8bn for Environmental Land Management schemes in 25/26 rising to £2bn by 28/29.

Recent levels of uptake in both Countryside Stewardship capital offers, and the Sustainable Farming Incentive demonstrate continued farmer confidence in these schemes.