Leadsom flags consultation on post-Brexit environment policy and CAP successor

Environment secretary, Andrea Leadsom, this week provided a little more detail on the government’s thinking on the environment green paper, which will look 25 years ahead.

Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference on Wednesday she said the next step would be the launch of a major consultation along with in-depth stakeholder engagement to consider environmental policy post EU membership. In the frame in particular is the design of a successor to the Common Agricultural Policy and the opportunity to support good environmental management as well as food production.

Leadsom (pictured) said: “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to look at new ideas and also at how other great farming nations operate, so, for example: one, how do we manage risk, and make the industry more resilient to extreme weather and price volatility? Two, how can we prioritise capital investment and boost productivity? Three, how can we increase food production at the same time as enhancing our natural environment?”

She also announced funding of £120m to support the next wave of Rural Development Programme projects. This has previously supported rural businesses in a range of diverse projects, from installing cutting-edge equipment to restoring flood plains.