Farming Practices: Sustainable Farming Incentive

Lord Gardiner of Kimble Excerpts

Monday 13th July 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

Our encouragement of all sorts of farms that did not already have grants and support demonstrates that we are keen to look at food production. We also have a farming innovation programme that supports agrotechnology for farmers, which can help with food production as well. The whole picture is about supporting food production, because, as we have said, we believe that food security is national security, and we take that very seriously.

[Lord Gardiner of Kimble (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my farming interests. One should not be provoked by comments, but it is important that we feed the nation, and I am worried about this concern that, if you are a medium or large farmer, somehow you are the enemy. We need all farmers to ensure that we are well fed and have national security through that, as well as enhancing our environment. It is important that farmers have clarity and certainty; the Minister has touched on that, but farmers need far more of it.

[Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Lab)]

It is absolutely right that farmers need clarity and certainty, which is why we have brought in the 25-year farming road map. With regard to larger farmers, that is also why, from September, the SFI will be open to all farms. We are trying to encourage farms that had not previously taken part to come forward and be supported by the Government.