Extension of schemes welcomed by farmers

Farming groups have welcomed news that schemes that help them restore nature and farm sustainably are being extended

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FARMING groups have welcomed an announcement that thousands of farmers will receive extensions to schemes that help them restore nature and farm sustainably.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle announced on Wednesday that farmers would get one-year extensions to their Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements, which gives farmers and land managers the opportunity to be paid for environmental work.

Defra said the one-off investment of up to £70m supports more than 5,000 farmers and reflects the Government's commitment to working with the sector to build a stronger, more profitable farming future.