Crynodeb
The Agriculture Act 2020 establishes the post-Brexit framework for agricultural policy in England. It replaces the EU Common Agricultural Policy with a system of payments for 'public money for public goods', focused on environmental outcomes. The Act provides for a transition period during which area-based direct payments are phased out and replaced by Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.
Pwyntiau allweddol
- Section 1: Secretary of State may give financial assistance for managing land or water in a way that protects or improves the environment, supports public access, manages flood risk, or promotes animal health and welfare
- Establishes the Environmental Land Management (ELM) framework — Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), Local Nature Recovery, and Landscape Recovery schemes
- Provides for a 7-year agricultural transition period (2021-2028) during which direct payments are progressively reduced
- Fair dealing provisions for agricultural supply chains — requirements for written contracts and fair dealing obligations
- Marketing standards for agricultural products
- Food security reporting duty — the Secretary of State must report to Parliament on food security at least every 5 years (s.19)