LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne has welcomed the reintroduction of the Agriculture Bill to the House of Commons.

The Bill was originally introduced in the last parliament but lapsed due to the general election that took place at the beginning of December.

It will cover issues such as what will happen now that the country has left the European Union.

This means leaving the Common Agricultural Policy that provide a range of subsidies for farmers and growers without which many of them say that they could potentially face severe hardship or going out of business.

Now the government is reintroducing the Bill, with some amendments, to ensure farmers get the support they need post-Brexit as the UK moves away from the Common Agricultural Policy and towards a system of payments for public good, for example improving biodiversity or managing flood risk.

Mr Dunne served on the Agriculture Bill Committee, using his expertise as a farmer to scrutinise and improve the draft legislation.

“The Government’s reintroduced Agriculture Bill will help secure farming for the future as we leave the Common Agricultural Policy – which was a land-based system favouring large farms,” said Mr Dunne.

“I am particularly pleased the Government has acknowledged the concerns I raised in committee stage, and now included a multi-annual financial assistance plan.

“The first plan will be for seven years from January 1, 2021, and subsequent plans must be at least five years in duration.

“This will help give much greater certainty to farmers to help plan for the future, recognising farmers making decisions on crop rotation and livestock rearing which take several years to come to fruition.

“The Bill also includes significant provisions for encouraging and rewarding farmers who help protect and enhance the environment, including improved protections for soil health.”