Jeremy Clarkson inspires Environment Secretary to diversify

The Environment Secretary told MPs he is in “very advanced discussions” with Communities Secretary Michael Gove on extending permitted development rights, which allow certain changes to take place without having to make a planning application.

Prime Video show Clarkson’s Farm has documented the workings of his 1,000-acre holding in the Cotswolds.

From dealings with council officials to building a restaurant, fans of the former Top Gear presenter have been left captivated by the farming industry.

The defence mounted by Mr Drakeford over his farming policy in Wales makes no sense.
Like him, I’m not a farmer but I try to learn about it by listening to people who are. He should do the same.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) February 20, 2024

Steve Barclay in advanced discussions over farming issues

Last month, we reported how West Oxfordshire District Council gave permission to Clarkson for a new grain store to be built at the Diddly Squat Farm site.

The plans submitted to the authority in September said the farm had an "urgent need” for additional grain storage.

However, it hasn't always been plain sailing.

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Barclay said: “My focus and the farming minster’s focus is on food production and food security, and ensuring that is viable for our farmers.

“But diversification is also an important part, so I’m in very advanced discussions with (Mr Gove) on extending permitted development rights… to go back to the previous question, that a certain very famous farmer has raised in terms of his frustrations in Oxfordshire.

I’m trying to see the Welsh farming policy from the government’s point of view. And I just can’t. It’s completely daft.

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) February 17, 2024

“So I want to streamline permitted developments and make it easier for farmers to diversify, but, first and foremost, farmers want to produce food and that is my key focus.”

Labour MP Barry Sheerman (Huddersfield) had questioned if Mr Barclay had spoken to the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) or the “celebrity farmer”, who he later revealed was Clarkson.

He added: “Farmers don’t know where they’re going or how they’re going to face the future because there is no plan under this incompetent administration.”

Mr Barclay said he regularly engages with colleagues in the NFU.

The minister also said sustainable farming incentive (SFI) payments need to be accelerated so farmers are paid quickly.

The SFI aims to reward farmers for practices that help produce food sustainably and protect the environment.

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• Jeremy Clarkson admits he's 'screwed' over Diddly Squat Farm

Mr Barclay said: “I have been very clear with the Royal Payments Agency (RPA) we need a more trusting relationship in terms of payments, we need to accelerate those payments so they’re paid more quickly.

“To be fair to the RPA, one of the constraints sometimes is National Audit Office rules around the element of checks that they need in terms of the error rate, but we’re working with them as to how we can shift the relationship to one built more on trust and where payments go out in a more expedited fashion.”

His comments came in response to Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan (North Shropshire), who said: “One of the concerns that farmers have raised with the sustainable farming incentive is the fact that they have to pay money up front before they can receive compensation or claim that money from the Government.”