I’ve joined Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins and colleagues in writing to the Environment Secretary following the chaotic handling of the latest Sustainable Farming Incentive application window.
I’ve heard directly from farmers across my constituency who spent considerable time preparing applications, only to miss out when the scheme closed within hours, with some also experiencing technical problems.
The handling of this has been an absolute shambles. Farmers need certainty and a system that works, not more frustration and disruption at an already difficult time.
We’re calling for urgent action, including a review of applications that could not be submitted because of administrative or technical failures, and answers on what support will now be available to farmers who have missed out.
I’ll keep pressing the Government to address this and make sure the experiences of farmers here in North Yorkshire are heard.
The letter is attached.
