Farming in the English National Parks – A Policy Paper
The United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union will have major implications for farming and land management when the current system of EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) payments come to an end in 2020.
At the UK level, CAP expenditure is worth £3 billion per year. Only £160m of this is spent supporting farming systems and agri-environment delivery within the English National Parks. These payments are important economically, socially and environmentally, and play a vital role in shaping the landscapes visitors come to see, and the local businesses that subsequently benefit from tourism in the National Parks.
Because of Brexit, the Government will be developing a new, more bespoke farming policy. National Parks England has developed a Policy Paper [hyperlink] which is our contribution to this debate. Whilst it sets out the headlines of a scheme tailored to the needs of the National Parks, it could - either wholly or in part - be applied beyond them. It has been drawn up by farmers, landowners and officers drawn from across the English National Parks, and has been approved by the National Parks England Board following consultation with all the National Park Authorities.
We have presented these proposals to the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). We hope to work with the new Government and others to develop these ideas and so enable all farmers within our National Parks to be proactive environmental managers, whilst helping our rural economies to become more sustainable and support our vibrant communities.
For our latest thinking on farming in the English National Parks and Brexit, please view the document below; 'Farming in the English National Parks'.
ELMS Tests and Trials Summaries
Farming in the English National Parks
National Parks England’s Response to the Environmental Land Management Policy Discussion (July 2020)
National Parks England response to Health and Harmony Command Paper (May 2018)