During the brief session, farmers Philip and Laura Bond introduced the Minister to the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive), talking about their experience of being in the SFI pilot.
They highlighted the importance of collaboration and the Minister was keen to impress that he recognises that schemes work best when developed with users at the heart of them.
Other topics touched on included access to grants and funding, as well as planning and the difficulties with delays in the system, especially where grants are time-sensitive.
Permitted development rights and the inability of those in protected landscapes to access the benefits of these were also discussed.
Farm visits vital to help shape thinking
The Minister listened to members and was keen to learn and hear more about how policy is working for farmers on the ground.
He reiterated that visits like this are vital to help shape Ministerial thinking around what change is needed to help better support farmers and growers.
