Farming Roundtable
- ashlingwilliams
- May 30
- 1 min read
Farming is a big part of Cornish life and industry. Over 70% of Cornwall’s land is farmed, producing food for our tables.
On the 27th of May, I hosted a Farming Roundtable in Threemilestone alongside the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). Around forty farmers and land agents signed up to discuss Sustainable Farming Incentives (SFIs), other key schemes, and, more broadly, the future of farming in Cornwall.
We looked at two major developments: the proposed changes to Agricultural and Business Property Reliefs (APR and BPR), due in 2026, and the 25-year Farming Roadmap – set to be the most ambitious agricultural plan in our country’s history. The Roadmap is intended to unify Defra policy and programmes into a single, long-term strategy, offering clear timelines, measurable outcomes, and support for the transition to more sustainable and secure food production.
As a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee, I helped publish a report on the future of farming (see here), which makes several key recommendations:
To publish a fully developed Farming Roadmap with long-term vision and measurable outcomes for food security and the environment.
Delay APR/BPR reforms until 2027. giving farmers time to prepare and seek professional advice and support.
Outline and launch the next phase of SFIs by September 2025.
Improve communication between Defra and the farming community.
I am grateful to everyone who attended the roundtable and I am committed to continuing these conversations. If you are a local farmer, land agent, or part of Cornwall’s rural economy and would like to raise an issue, please get in touch: jayne.kirkham.mp@parliament.uk
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