Waveney MP Adrian Ramsay calls for more support for farmers

The MP for Waveney Valley has welcomed the findings of a Government report showing a boost to wildlife through farmer-led, nature-friendly schemes, but is now calling for more.

Adrian Ramsay, of the Green Party, praised Natural England’s Agri-environment report which showed the likes of butterflies, bees and bats were benefitting from the boost in biodiversity.

The report also sighted birds, which largely feed on invertebrates, as seeing a 25 per cent rise in breeding in the areas.

Mr Ramsay said: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and we urgently need to address the enormous risk that habitat and biodiversity loss poses to our future.

“Most farmers want to do the right thing for nature and this report clearly shows that Government support for nature-friendly farming pays off. Now we need to see more of it.”

Since leaving the EU, England has set up its own farming payments initiative, called the Environment Land Management Scheme (ELMS).

This pays farmers to let the likes of hedges and wildflowers grow on their land to help with wildlife.

But they are concerned that it will be very difficult to take part in the ELMS if the amount they are paid falls.

Mr Ramsay added: “Farmers have told me they need reassurance, certainty and easier access to funding for nature-friendly farming, so it is very disappointing that the Labour Government has so far refused to commit to maintaining the current level of support.

“I urge the Government to show leadership and not only commit to maintaining the current levels, but to listen to the many calls, including from the RSPB, National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts, for a massive increase in nature-friendly farming support.

“We do not have to have an ‘either-or’ between nature restoration and food production; with more leadership from the Government, we can achieve both.”