Concerns raised over new farm strategy By Karen Bate “You can’t be green if you are in the red,” said NFU Somerset chairman and farmer Tom Kimber in response to the government’s new farming strategy which was announced on Monday. Farmers in North Dorset are facing the biggest shift in farming policy for 50 years after the Path to Sustainable Farming strategy was unveiled by Environment Secretary George Eustace to reward farmers who tackle climate change. The new strategy will replace the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy on December 31st and immediately will see the phasing out of the biggest farming grant, the Basic Payment Scheme. Tom, who is primarily a dairy farmer, but also has pigs, beef and turkeys on his family farm in Charlton Musgrove explained: “The government
MOOOT POINT: Farmers are examining details of the strategy
want to tackle issues like climate change, loss of habitats and species and it is vital farmers can stay in business to be able to do these things, however farms need to remain profitable to deliver. “Our main priority is to produce food. If we have viable businesses then we can do both.”
Salisbury farmer and President of the NFU, Minette Batters, who represents farmers across the country has raised concerns about significant falls in income. She said: “These payments have been a lifeline for many farmers especially when prices or growing conditions have been volatile and will be very difficult
to replace in the first four years of this transition. “Can Ministers be sure that new schemes will be available at scale to deliver redirected BPS payments? “Take livestock farmers for example, who we project will have lost between 60 and 80 per cent of their income by 2024 as a result of these reductions. “What changes will Defra make to ensure that the new Environmental Land Management schemes offer rewards that provide a genuine income for their businesses while maintaining food production? Expecting farmers to run viable, high-cost regulatory farm businesses, continue to produce food and increase their environmental delivery, while phasing out existing support and without a complete replacement scheme for almost three years is high risk and a very big ask.”
Residents and staff helping Pudsey Covid-19 restrictions didn’t stop residents and staff at Brook Lodge care home in Gillingham from putting on their pinnies to raise money for Children in Need. Special cakes were baked and sold at the residential and dementia care home in Fern Brook Lane, which would usually welcome members of the community for a day of fundraising and fun. Although the coronavirus restrictions meant that was not possible, staff and residents were still determined to do what they could for the charity. Kitchen Assistant Alicia and Care Team Leader Sarah baked some special cakes to sell within the home on Friday, November 13, which happened to be the charity’s 40th anniversary. Although the care home couldn’t welcome in the 16
HOT CAKES: Residents and staff at Brook Lodge raise money for the Children In Need appeal
Gillingham community, the care home is still able to support residents and relatives with covid-secure family visits. Relatives are able to visit a room within the home that can be accessed without the risk of coming into contact with other residents, meaning residents can spend
valuable time with loved ones in the build up to, and around, Christmas. As a result, Fern Brook Lodge remains a safe haven offering companionship, social interaction, a fulfilled lifestyle, good food and, above all, compassionate care. Following its most recent inspection, the CQC
rated Fern Brook Lodge as ‘Good’ in all areas. Fern Brook Lodge is managed by Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and dementia care based in Dorset. For more information , ring 01747 834020 or visit caresouth.co.uk
