Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government plans to take to help safeguard the future of smaller farms.

Farms of all sizes, including small holdings, are part of the rich diversity of agriculture in the United Kingdom. The Government intends to continue supporting farms of all sizes where the benefits of that spending are clear.

Our proposed ‘agricultural transition’ period away from current Direct Payments in England will provide time for farmers to adjust. Reductions to direct payments will apply to larger landowners first. We recognise this will be harder for some farms than others. Through our farming consultation we welcome views on how we can help farmers in England improve their productivity and support them to deliver environmental and cultural benefits.