大象传媒

Farmers say they need some certainty to be able to plan their businesses. With a new Prime Minister incoming will the current agricultural policy still be the policy next month? At the moment that policy includes a 'rapid review' of ELMs (Environmental Land Management Schemes) which have been developed to pay farmers in England for public goods - things like using fewer pesticides or planting hedgerows. The direct subsidy paid to them is being phased out leaving a hole in many farm accounts - though there have been rumours that might change. Conservationists are worried - the Wildlife Trusts say they're 'increasingly concerned' that ELMs will be watered down, while farmers ask if this - or the next - government will fully fund the schemes.