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<p>The Agriculture Bill will introduce ambitious new schemes in England, based on
the principle of “public money for public goods”, which will allow us to reward farmers
and land managers who protect our environment, improve animal welfare and produce
high quality food in a more sustainable way.</p><p> </p><p>Our Environmental Land
Management (ELM) scheme is the cornerstone of our new agricultural policy. Founded
on the principle of “public money for public goods”, ELM is intended to provide a
powerful contribution to achieving the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan and commitment
to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, while supporting our rural economy.</p><p> </p><p>We
are working closely with a range of environmental and agricultural stakeholders to
collaboratively design the new ELM scheme so that it is fit for purpose. We are currently
running a programme of Tests and Trials, the priorities for which are the building
blocks we will need for the National Pilot, due to commence in late 2021 and run to
2024. The National Pilot will provide a critical opportunity to test and refine the
scheme design prior to full roll out of the ELM scheme in late 2024 across England.</p><p>
</p><p>Clause 3 of the Agriculture Bill provides the Secretary of State with the power
to make regulations to check, enforce and monitor the conditions of financial assistance
provided under the Bill. This includes the power to establish a mechanism for appealing
against decisions. Clauses 4 to 6 of the Bill also require the publication of multi-annual
financial assistance plans, annual financial reports and impact and effectiveness
reports. This transparency will enable public scrutiny of our future spending plans
and the extent to which Government funding for agriculture, horticulture and forestry
activities has been delivered on a value for money basis.</p><p> </p>
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