Agenda item

The Chief Executive introduced the report, which sought Members’ comments about the National Parks England (NPE) Working Group’s working draft document on the future of farming outside the EU. This was one of four papers focusing on how the national parks would be impacted by Brexit.

The Head of Landscape and Conservation was present to answer Member questions.

Members gave substantial feedback to officers which the Chair confirmed would be passed to the NPE Working Group. A particular sentence stood out for Members, on page 92 of the draft:

“Our starting point is that we want to see our National Parks remain as living, working landscapes where sustainable farming systems are playing an active role in delivering a wide array of public benefits and the farmers or land managers doing this work are rewarded for these services.”

The recommendation was moved, seconded, voted on and carried.

RESOLVED:

1.    To note the working draft document from the NPE Future of Farming Group and offer comments for the Chair and CEO to use to inform the consideration of, and outputs from, this working group.

Cllr Mrs G Heath left the meeting at 12.29pm during the debate and before the vote.