Richmond and Northallerton MP Rishi Sunak has highlighted the role family farms play in preserving rural landscapes and nature recovery in the House of Commons.
The MP also stressed the importance of continued support through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Sunak referenced his visit to New Sheepfold Farm in Ingleby Greenhow, Great Ayton, where he witnessed firsthand how the Day family was successfully diversifying their farm.
Their efforts have been supported by funding through the FiPL scheme and North York Moors National Park Authority.
The FiPL scheme allowed for the creation of wildlife ponds and scrapes at New Sheepfold Farm and funded soil health surveys to improve grassland production.
Mr Sunak welcomed the Government’s decision to extend the FiPL programme for an additional year, until March 2026, recognising its value in helping farms in areas such as the Dales and Moors remain resilient and sustainable.
He urged Ministers to keep family farms at the forefront of their minds.
During questions to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Mr Sunak told the commons: “I recently visited New Sheepfold Farm in Ingleby Greenhow to see the great work that the Day family are doing to diversify their farm, help nature recovery, and improve enjoyment of our rural area.
“They did this with the help of the North York Moors National Park Authority and the farming and protected landscape scheme, which I am glad the Government have extended for a further year.
“Does the Minister agree with me about the importance of family farms, such as that of the Days, in landscapes such as the dales and the moors, and will he ensure that they remain at the forefront of Ministers’ minds?”
The Farming in Protected Landscapes scheme, introduced by the last Government in 2021, provides funding to projects that enhance nature recovery, climate resilience and biodiversity.
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