Secretary of State’s powers to give financial assistance

Part of Agriculture Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 10:00 am on 30 October 2018.

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Photo of Phil Wilson Phil Wilson Labour, Sedgefield 10:00, 30 October 2018

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following:

Amendment 49, in clause 1, page 1, line 10, after second “heritage”, insert “, including farming systems where they underpin delivery”.

This amendment would include farming systems in the land or water management activities for which financial assistance can be given in Clause 1(1)(c).

Amendment 41, in clause 1, page 2, line 6, at end insert—

‘(2A) The Secretary of State shall also give financial assistance for, or in connection with, the purpose of establishing, maintaining and expanding agro-ecological farming systems, including organic farming.

This amendment would ensure that new schemes support agroecological farming systems, including organic, as a way of delivering the purposes in clause 1. Agroecology is recognised by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation as the basis for evolving food systems that are equally strong in environmental, economic, social and agronomic dimensions.