MPs right to round on Farming Minister over handling of latest SFI window
MPs rightly rounded on the Farming Minister for the shambolic handling of the recent Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) window. It would be forgivable if this was the first time the Labour government had been caught out over subsidy payments to farmers.
Given the reputation of the party is already at rock bottom with rural communities, the handling of the latest SFI window, which saw at least 10,000 farmers miss out on funding, was wholly unacceptable.
The criticism of the cross-party Efra Committee should ring loudly in the ears of Stephen Morgan, who was first appointed in June under Sir Keir Starmer’s government. Farming organisations had repeatedly warned the Government about the dangers of farmers missing out much needed sustainability payments. A Government that says the environment is one of its key priorities.
The Efra Committee heard that one farmer left a funeral early to try and apply. That underscores the awful nature of the way support is distributed amongst farmers. Farmers who not only have a crucial role to play in the fight against climate change but also ensuring that Britain does not starve.
The question is why Defra had proceeded with the process, knowing a lot of farmers would miss out.
As Alistair Carmichael, chair of the Efra committee, told Morgan: “You were briefed, you knew that there was a problem coming down the track and you decided to carry on with it nevertheless.”
It’s all well and good Morgan saying that the Government is keen to learn lessons from this shambles but few things will change unless ministers start working with farmers.