Major shake up in the farm subsidy system

Post-Brexit, the UK is shifting its agricultural subsidies to focus on land use and climate change rather than farm size. The government claims this new system will promote sustainable farming, but the agricultural sector still accounts for 9% of the UK's emissions, a figure unchanged for over a decade. The environment secretary is advocating for strategies like woodland creation and peatland restoration, which take time to impact. Farmers like Martin Hull in East Sussex are encouraged to manage wetlands for future incentives. However, the slow rollout of the new subsidy scheme, not fully effective until 2028, raises concerns about financing and potential gaps that could harm farmers' profitability. Ensuring these changes are successful is crucial for farmers, the food chain, and the climate.

What is the primary focus of the new agricultural subsidies post-Brexit?

• Land use and climate initiatives

• Farm size

• Livestock numbers

• Crop yield

What percentage of the UK's emissions is attributed to the agricultural sector?

• 20%

• 15%

• 9%

• 5%

By what year has the agricultural industry pledged to achieve net-zero emissions?

• 2030

• 2040

• 2050

• 2060

What are some of the environmental initiatives mentioned for agriculture?

• Building wind turbines

• Constructing solar panels

• Developing electric vehicles

• Peatland restoration and creating new woodland

What is a major concern regarding the new subsidy scheme?

• It may not be adequately financed

• It will focus only on livestock

• It will increase farm sizes

• It will reduce crop diversity