The UK environment secretary has announced an overhaul of the UK’s farming schemes, including a pledge to reduce red tape and increased funding.

Outlining the measures at the Oxford Farming Conference which saw politicians from across the spectrum very much on an election footing, Steve Barclay MP described the move as the “biggest upgrade” since leaving the EU.

The updates - which apply to England and are led by DEFRA, include funding uplifts, streamlined application processes, enhanced environmental incentives, and support for the rollout of new technology.

Mr Barclay reiterated the UK government’s support for British farmers and said the moves were designed with feedback from farmers.

The improvements include a 10% increase in the average value of agreements in the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship driven by increased payment rates, around 50 new actions that farmers can get paid for across all types of farm businesses, including actions for agroforestry and those driving forward agricultural technology such as robotic mechanical weeding.

In addition, premium payments for actions with the biggest environmental impact or combinations of actions that deliver benefits at scale will be paid, and enhanced payments for ‘creation’ and ‘maintenance’ options to improve the long term incentives for farmers to create habitats.

Addressing delegates, Mr Barclay said: “Farmers do the essential job of keeping Britain fed. That’s why I’ll back British farmers and help support farming businesses.

“We have listened to farmers’ feedback and set out the biggest upgrades to our farming schemes since leaving the EU, with more money, more choice, and more trust to support domestic food production whilst also protecting the environment.

“We’re also making it easier for farmers of every farm type and size to enter the schemes, and I encourage everyone to take a look at how you can join the thousands of other farmers and land managers who are already receiving our backing through the schemes.”