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Written question asked by Lord Hylton (Crossbench) on Monday, 17 October 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 31 October 2022. It was answered by Lord Benyon (Conservative) on Monday, 31 October 2022 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Arable Farming

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to introduce financial incentives for farmers to use (1) leguminous, and (2) deep-rooting, plants in crop rotations.

Answer

British farmers are world-leaders and carefully plan their planting to suit the weather, their soil type, and their long-term agronomic strategy. It is not HM Government policy to dictate which crops farmers should prioritise to include in their rotation but there are some incentives if they do choose to grow leguminous or deep rooting crops, recognising and rewarding the environmental benefits these bring.

Applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) opened from 30th June 2022 for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) eligible farmers.

In the arable and horticultural soils standard for 2022 we will pay farmers for adding organic matter and minimising bare ground over winter. Winter cover and the addition of organic matter can be achieved by growing a number of crops including legumes.

In the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, we have options which pay farmers to sow legume fallows and to establish and maintain legume rich swards in grassland.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2642
Session
2022-23
Subjects
Arable farming Legumes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk