New legislation to deliver a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations was introduced in Parliament today. The Agriculture Bill sets out how farmers will in future be paid for "public goods", such as better air and water quality, improved soil health, higher animal welfare standards, public access to the countryside and measures to reduce flooding.
Therese said: "This will replace the current EU subsidy system of Direct Payments, which is ineffective and pays farmers based on the total amount of land farmed. In its place, a new Environmental Land Management system will start next year.
"Importantly we will work together with farmers to design, develop and trail the new approach. There will also be a seven-year transition period to enable farmers to invest in new technologies and methods that boost productivity - allowing for a smooth and gradual move away from the Common Agricultural Policy, laying the foundations for a Green Brexit."
