In February Defra launched its consultation on the future of farming – Health and Harmony. The consultation closing date is May 8th. ‘Leaving the European Union and the Common Agricultural Policy will give us the chance for reform. We want to know your thoughts on the future of agricultural policy in England.’ The Efra committee are now looking at this.

The future of farming and land use policy has massive implications for every part of the water sector in relation to flooding, water resources and water quality. Key to this is the Government’s commitment to only fund public goods including which would include environmental benefits.

The EFRA Committee hears evidence from animal health and welfare charities, academics and representatives from different farming sectors. The Committee’s inquiry focusses on the Government’s consultation: ‘Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit.’

• Watch Parliament TV: Work of DEFRA: Health and Harmony
• Inquiry: Work of DEFRA: Health and Harmony

Witnesses to the committee give you a sense of the coverage: watch the video.
Wednesday 25 April, Thatcher Room, Portcullis House

At 2.45pm
• Professor Janet Dwyer, Professor of Rural Policy, University of Gloucester and Director of Countryside and Community Research Institute
• Phil Stocker, Chief Executive, National Sheep Association
• Jilly Greed, co-founder, Ladies in Beef
• Peter Dawson, Policy and Sustainability Director, Dairy UK

At 3.45pm
• Peter Stevenson, Chief Policy Advisor, Compassion in World Farming
• Vicki Hird, Sustainable Farming Campaign Coordinator, Sustain
• Professor Tim Lang, Centre for Food Policy, City University
• Helen Browning OBE, Chief Executive, Soil Association

Likely topics of discussion
The likely topics of discussion for this evidence session are; the impact of withdrawing agricultural subsidies, devising a new system based on public goods, and maintaining animal welfare standards.

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