CLA landowners propose Land Management Contract for public funds

The CLA says that a new Land Management Contract would change the relationship between the public and land managers, so that alongside high-quality food, defined public benefits would be provided by land managers. The proposals would also see an approach to public funds that would integrate sustainable farming practices and woodland management alongside environmental and heritage land use management.

To achieve this, the CLA proposes that the Land Management Contract would include four elements:

1. Universal Land Management Contract

Available to all land managers, who could choose from a menu of positive land management activities and sustainable farming practices. A premium payment would incentivise ambitious delivery.

2. Universal Capital Land Management Contract

To support the Universal Land Management Contract and provide standalone improvements such as woodland creation, improved infrastructure to reduce pollution and improve animal health.

3. Enhanced Land Management Contract

A scheme to make targeted, more complex improvements to land management, which encourages collaboration.

4. Landscape Scale Restoration

Large scale, competitive scheme that will address major environmental challenges

Download the CLA report The Land Management Contract: Design and delivery in England

Download Sustain’s Beyond 2020: New farm policy