At this time of year, as the nation’s attention shifts to summer holidays and farmers across the country are busy with harvest, it’s hard to keep focused on forthcoming pieces of legislation and parliamentary procedure – but we must.
The Secretary of State Michael Gove was right when earlier this year he wrote, ‘Leaving the European Union (EU) provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reform agriculture’. It does and it means we have a chance to secure a sustainable future for agriculture and the environment, as well as a range of public goods for society.
“In order to do so, this Agriculture Bill (which is expected this autumn) should focus on spending public money to reward farmers for the public benefits they provide to society; increase the funding available and reflect the government’s ambition to restore nature within a generation; and include a broad purpose for future policies, clear objectives and mechanisms to secure long-term funding.
Ask to meet your MP
This opportunity is one that should not be missed. As farmers are uniquely placed to drive forward the restoration of our natural environment, we need you to speak up and use your voice, reaching out to MPs to tell them why this Agriculture Bill needs to deliver a well-resourced, well-managed and well-enforced agricultural policy that promotes nature-friendly farming across our beautiful, diverse and productive countryside.
James Cartlidge MP meeting on site with farmer Nick Oliver. L-R James Cartlidge MP, Robert Lingard (RSPB senior parliamentary officer), Nick Oliver (farmer), Sam Lee (RSPB). Image: RSPB
It can be a bit daunting contacting your local MP, especially if you’ve not done it before, or even engaged ‘politically’ that much, or at all. However, it’s pretty simple really. MPs, on the whole, are keen to hear from their constituents, especially on issues that they feel passionate about. Farming also holds a special place in our political discourse and farmers are recognised for the vital role they play in our economy, culture and lives.
You can find your MP here so why not contact them and invite them to visit your farm? This is a very effective way of lobbying, if you have the time, and we’ve got plenty of resources available so you can get up to speed with what we’re asking for as an organisation, and the ‘key messages’ we’d like you to cover – you can read our briefing here.
That said, it’s so much more effective if you say this in your own words and express how important this is to you – as a farmer you get it, so please talk about your own experiences, passion and how this fits with your own practices.
You really could help make the difference with this and we’d love to hear how you get on. Please let us know if you meet your MP or have any questions regarding this by contacting Harry Greenfield: Harry.Greenfield@rspb.org.uk