Monbiot criticises government for environmental grant freeze

Environmental campaigner and writer George Monbiot has condemned the government’s decision to freeze crucial capital grants aimed at funding ecological restoration and sustainable farming practices.

Defra has temporarily frozen 76 items under its capital grant scheme, which is part of its Environmental Land Management (ELM) agricultural transition programme for England, citing overwhelming demand and unsustainable spending levels.

The grants, which fund projects such as hedge planting, slurry storage, and wildlife conservation, were part of the government’s plan to transition English farmers to more sustainable practices after Brexit.

See also: Defra accused of breaking own rules on capital grants

While applications for certain grants will still be processed, new applications for the affected items are on hold until early 2025.

1. The one benefit of Brexit was a new farm subsidy system, paying for public goods like ecological restoration. But now the government has frozen the new grants, while swiftly cutting off the old ones, leaving farmers high and dry. It’s deeply unfair and highly destructive. 🧵

— George Monbiot (@GeorgeMonbiot) November 28, 2024

Writing on X, Mr Monbiot described the decision to freeze capital grants as “deeply unfair and highly destructive” and he asked: “What the hell is the government playing at?”

Brexit benefit

“The one benefit of Brexit was a new farm subsidy system,” said Mr Monbiot. “But now the government has frozen the new grants while cutting off the old ones, leaving farmers high and dry.”

Mr Monbiot warned that the abrupt halt would bankrupt farmers who had begun transitioning to environmentally friendly practices, further eroding trust in the government’s ability to lead the green agenda.

“It will leave farmers who started investing in restoration out of pocket, and destroy their faith in the green transition. The sharpness of the transition will drive some to bankruptcy,” he said.

Mr Monbiot also criticised the inaction of major environmental bodies, accusing them of failing to advocate for the farmers affected by the funding cuts.

Union support

NFU president Tom Bradshaw welcomed Mr Monbiot’s comments, responding on X: “We will often be on opposite sides of the debate but on this we are very well aligned!”

Deputy president of the union, David Exwood, said the whole agricultural transition “had lurched from one crisis to another”.

He added: “This only the latest scenario where Defra has failed to provide clarity and certainty.

“Only a month ago we were shocked to hear plans to accelerate the phase-out of direct payments, and this sudden decision has once again left farmers wondering how on earth they can plan for the future with these ever-moving goalposts.”

Defra defended its decision, blaming “extraordinary” demand for capital grants as the reason for the pause. A spokesperson said funding would be redirected to “prioritise areas with the most benefit for food security and nature.”