Good News for Commons in Defra's March Announcement on SFI22 on Moorland and Commons
PRESS RELEASE:
The Foundation for Common Land is delighted that Defra listened to feedback following the disappointing initial announcement on SFI 22 on Moorland last November.
The Moorland SFI22 payment has increased up from £6.45/ha to £10.30/ha and a new commons payment has been introduced at £6.15/ha/yr making a total annual payment for commons of £16.45/ha. While this is encouraging it is worth remembering that by 2024 farmers’ BPS Moorland payment will have been reduced by £32 / ha (50%). So while SFI is not a replacement for BPS there will still be a significant cash shortfall. With input costs increasing margins are reducing. As 75% of all Moorland is already in CS then stewardship is not a panacea as you can’t be double funded to deliver public goods.
Julia Aglionby said, “We welcome the new supplement for common land announced by Defra. By enabling commoners and the owners of Common Land to collaboratively manage these areas all benefit. 38% of Moorland is registered Common Land so it is essential that on these iconic landscapes managed by multiple parties appropriate costs are reimbursed. This will ensure the best possible outcomes for our natural heritage, our cultural heritage and therefore best value for the tax payer as concluded from our Defra funded ELM Test and Trials. We cannot expect farmers to produce public goods on the cheap.”