Reacting to a new Natural England report that found nature-friendly farming schemes have boosted biodiversity, co-leader of the Green Party Adrian Ramsay MP said:
“The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and we urgently need to address the enormous risk that habitat and biodiversity loss poses to our future.
“Most farmers want to do the right thing for nature and this report clearly shows that Government support for nature-friendly farming pays off. Now we need to see more of it.
“Farmers have told me they need reassurance, certainty, and easier access to funding for nature-friendly farming, so it is very disappointing that the Labour Government has so far refused to commit to maintaining the current level of support payments.
“I urge the Government to show leadership and not only commit to maintaining the current level of funding, but to listen to the many calls, including from the RSPB, National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts, for a massive increase in nature-friendly farming support.
“We do not have to have an ‘either-or’ between nature restoration and food production; with more leadership from the Government, we can achieve both.”