Most asked: Bruce Fowkes, Farming Officer for South Downs
October 4, 2018
Answers to questions about a particular area of work in the National Park – some sent in to our newsletter and others that we get asked all the time.
Answering this month is: Bruce Fowkes, farming officer for the South Downs National Park.
Why does the National Park need a farming officer?
The South Downs landscape is inextricably linked with farming and those people that manage the land. With 85% of the Park managed as farmland by 950 registered holdings, it is the only lowland mixed farmland National Park in the UK. Farming within the National Park presents both opportunities and challenges, and as we prepare to leave the EU, Farmers are facing a time of significant change. As Farming Officer, I am here to offer support with the environmental aspects of their job that are hugely important for the National Park – such as how to get the most out of environmental land management schemes, sharing ideas and best practice, and working collaboratively across the landscape. I work with farmers right across the South Downs to help them develop their environmental delivery, identify new and innovative opportunities during this time of change, and ensure their voices and ideas are heard as a new UK Farming Policy is developed.
Can farmers really produce food and care for the environment at the same time?
In short I truly believe that they can, and there are many examples across the South Downs showing just that. Farmers’ core business is to produce food and their office is the countryside (although increasing paperwork requirements mean that more time is being spent in an actual office than some would like!). They spend most days out in the landscape and I’ve yet to meet a farmer who doesn’t want the National Park to be an attractive environment, and to be passed on to the next generation in a healthy condition. Part of my role is to help farmers find ways to produce quality food whilst also building in good environmental management. A key part of this is to maximise the delivery of Agri-environment and other similar schemes, which enable farmers to make caring for and managing the environment part of their farm business. It helps them look after resources that they need to produce food – healthy soil and clean water – and we all benefit as a result.
The new Agriculture Bill talks about Public Goods but what does that actually mean?
This is an interesting question and a hot topic of debate at the moment. Public goods are generally the things we take for granted, but the market does not currently pay for. This can include protecting iconic landscapes, creating wildlife habitats, providing clean air and water, reducing flood risk and improving access. Early indications are that the new Agriculture Bill will shift emphasis to a policy that rewards farmers for sustainable management and the range of public benefits it provides.
Are farmers pleased that the National Park exists?
As with any big change I think it’s fair to say that there were some farmers for, and some against the creation of the South Downs National Park. Much of this relates to the unknowns and what impacts change may bring. Eight years down the line, I think there is a good working relationship between the National Park Authority and Farmers on the South Downs. For example we work closely with the six farm cluster groups, helping them to deliver a range of projects from species and habitat improvements to community engagement events and promotion of farming on the South Downs to the wider public. There are lots of stereotypes around farming, most of which are wrong, and the majority of farmers on the Downs really want to welcome responsible visitors and show them all of the good work that they are doing.
What is the future for farming in the South Downs National Park?
I believe farming will continue to be an integral part of the South Downs landscape. The emerging Agriculture Bill signals a time of significant change, which is likely to bring both opportunities and threats to farm businesses on the Downs. It is vital that farmers are able to continue growing and producing quality food, whilst also being rewarded for the wide range of public benefits that they provide. In fact, a change in emphasis in this area may lead to further opportunities for diversification and development of the wider farm business. I see the farm cluster project as being a key part of this, allowing famers to work even better together, sharing ideas and resources and driving forward the great work their already doing to care for our landscapes.