MP CHAIRS FARMERS Q&A

Yesterday, Westmorland MP Tim Farron, chaired a 'Farmers Q&A' with representatives from the Rural Payment Authority (RPA) and Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

This is the third meeting of its kind where farmers were able to engage with the two bodies and Tim on various issues. The central purpose of yesterday's meeting was to provide an update from the RPA on the delivery of the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) and the Future Farming and Countryside Programme.

After a lively presentation took place many questions were asked in relation to how the new schemes would be rolled out to replace the gaping hole left by the phasing out of the Basic Payment Scheme.

Speaking afterwards Tim said: "I must thank the RPA and DEFRA for engaging with our farmers in this way. It is so important that we continuously have discussions with them on the issues they face in the wake of the daunting rollout of the new payment schemes. It is important that the RPA and DEFRA are prepared to listen and make improvements speedily and are quick to ensure that farmers do not face a financial cliff edge. Events such as this hopefully encourage farmers to engage actively with the new schemes. Our farmers are the ones on the frontline of fighting climate change and keeping the country fed. I was proud to Chair a meeting that gives them the respect and the voice that they deserve."