Derbyshire Farmer Labels Government’s Rural Funding Announcement as ‘Spin’

A farmer in Derbyshire has labeled a recent government declaration, which purports to infuse hundreds of millions of pounds into the agricultural sector, as “just spin”. Amy Wheelton, who operates a farm close to Walton-on-Trent, stated that the £343 million allocated by the Government was intended to compensate farmers for tasks they had already completed. Government ministers asserted that these funds would assist 31,000 farmers nationwide and bolster food security within the UK. However, Ms Wheelton conveyed to the BBC: “The total budget for farming of £5bn is the same budget that was under the last government – there is no increase.” This financial allocation encompasses payments amounting to £223 million for Countryside Stewardship revenue clients and £74 million for Environmental Stewardship clients, managed by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). The Government declared its provision of over £5 billion to the agricultural budget, characterizing it as the “largest ever increase investment” in sustainable food production. Nevertheless, Ms Wheelton, who also serves as an independent councillor in South Derbyshire, described the funding as “nothing new”. She commented: “I’m quite surprised by [the announcement],” adding, “It’s always welcome when people talk about money and investment but if I’m honest, this is just spin.” She further elaborated: “The Government say they’ve invested £343 million pounds well that’s because they only pay farmers what they owe us for the last 12 months in December for environmental work and through the Basic Payment Scheme.” She concluded: “This is overdue money for farmers for services already delivered.” and “It’s good we’re having the conversation about farming but the total budget for farming of £5bn is the same budget that was under the last government so there is no increase.” In response, Steve Reed, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, affirmed: “Our commitment to farmers is steadfast.” He continued: “That is why this Government is working hard to get money into farmers bank accounts as well as announcing today how farmers can benefit from the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, with more flexible actions, improved payments to help cashflow and a rolling application window.” He also stated: “It’s part of our £5 billion farming budget over two years – the largest ever directed at sustainable food production in our country’s history.” Concluding, he added: “As we set out our Plan for Change, we are focused on supporting our farmers, supporting rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security.”