Farmer claims government announcement is 'just spin'

Farmer Amy Wheelton said the announcement did not include any extra money

A Derbyshire farmer has said a government announcement which claims to inject hundreds of millions of pounds into the rural economy is "just spin".

Amy Wheelton, who runs a farm near Walton-on-Trent, said the £343 million from the Government was for work farmers had already carried out.

Ministers said the cash would benefit 31,000 farmers across the country and strengthen food security in the UK.

But Ms Wheelton told the BBC: "The total budget for farming of £5bn is the same budget that was under the last government - there is no increase."

The money includes payments worth £223 million to Countryside Stewardship revenue customers and £74 million to Environmental Stewardship customers, administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

The Government said it is providing more than £5 billion to the farming budget which is the "largest ever increase investment" in sustainable food production.

Ms Wheelton said the £5bn farming budget was the same during the previous government

But Ms Wheelton, who is also an independent councillor in South Derbyshire, said the funding was "nothing new".

"I'm quite surprised by [the announcement]," she said.

"It's always welcome when people talk about money and investment but if I'm honest, this is just spin.

"The Government say they've invested £343 million pounds well that's because they only pay farmers what they owe us for the last 12 months in December for environmental work and through the Basic Payment Scheme.

"This is overdue money for farmers for services already delivered.

"It's good we're having the conversation about farming but the total budget for farming of £5bn is the same budget that was under the last government so there is no increase."

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said his government is supporting rural economic growth and boosting Britain's food security

Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: "Our commitment to farmers is steadfast.

"That is why this Government is working hard to get money into farmers bank accounts as well as announcing today how farmers can benefit from the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme, with more flexible actions, improved payments to help cashflow and a rolling application window.

"It's part of our £5 billion farming budget over two years - the largest ever directed at sustainable food production in our country's history.

"As we set out our Plan for Change, we are focused on supporting our farmers, supporting rural economic growth and boosting Britain's food security."