What does the ‘Clarkson clause’ mean for farmers?
14th February 2024
Jeremy Clarkson’s name has been mentioned by a group of pro-green Conservative MPs who would like to make it easier for farmers to open farm shops.
Amazon Prime series Clarkson’s Farm has often highlighted the importance of buying your food from local producers. Thanks to Mr Clarkson, farmers may soon be able to establish shops without the hassle of obtaining planning permission from their local councils.
Mr Clarkson himself has gone through a few battles with West Oxfordshire District Council. After lengthy and well-publicised rows, he was finally granted permission to extend the temporary car park at Diddly Squat Farm.
The TV presenter is very keen to discuss the cost of food on supermarket shelves and how little of the profit ends up in farmers’ pockets, taking into consideration constant rising production prices. This is why the plan, which aims to promote sustainable practices and support local farming, has been named the ‘Clarkson clause’.
Buy British
The Conservative Environment Network also calls for greater freedom to put up wind turbines and solar panels on farmland. According to CEN, it would help contribute to the global aim to transition towards renewable energy sources and cutting carbon emissions.
The network is also urging supermarkets to pay higher prices for sustainable food, which would encourage farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices in their businesses. CEN proposes a “buy British” button on websites, allowing consumers to filter shops by non-UK-grown food and support local producers.
The MPs have also suggested that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt should eliminate inheritance tax on re-wilded farmland. They say this should encourage more farmers to restore their land to its natural state, benefiting biodiversity and combating climate change.
The network is also underlining the need for a budget for higher post-Brexit land management payments. Even though some farmers may oppose the changes, the CEN said that the potential benefits for the environment, the economy, and future generations could be significant.
Fans of Clarkson’s Farm do not have to wait too long to see the new season. Amazon Prime Video announced that season three of the show will air on 3rd May 2024. The streaming and rental service has also confirmed to be preparing season four of Clarkson’s Farm.
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