Farming advisors at the Soil Association are looking for farmers and land managers in the Exe Valley to get involved in farm surveys for Defra that will help shape the future of farm support and payments.

With the UK's recent departure from the EU, the government is moving towards a new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) that will reward farmers public money for public goods, such as clean air and water, biodiversity, climate resilience, environmental hazard protection and beauty, heritage and engagement with the environment.

These events represent a unique opportunity for farmers to share their insights on what those public goods might be.

Liz Bowles, associate director of farming and land use at the Soil Association said: “These events are a must for farmers in the Exe Valley hoping to shape the future of farm support. It’s a chance for farmers to have their say on what future farm payments should look like, and how they should be rewarded for the benefits they bring to people and the environment.”

Farmers can learn more about the project at a kick-off meeting, where they will be asked to complete a farm practice survey.

Farmers can choose from six meetings, which will be held between March 3-17:

• March 3: Brushford, Devon

• March 6: Winsford, Somerset

• March 12: Broadclyst, East Devon

• March 17: Thorverton, Devon

Meetings will run from 11.00-3.00. Farmers can register on Eventbrite or by visiting https://defra-tt-1.eventbrite.co.uk.

For more information email producer.support@soilassociation.org.