Farmer lost out by minutes in race for wildlife funding

Warwickshire farmer Richard Peace missed out on government wildlife funding by minutes after an application window closed within hours. He wanted support to leave some crops unharvested, creating better hunting grounds for barn owls and other wildlife; the case has renewed concerns about whether a first-come, first-served system gives farmers a fair chance.

The funding pot was £310m, and the NFU said 12,000 farmers could not submit applications in time. Peace argues that applications should be assessed together and larger payments reduced if demand exceeds the available money. Farming Minister Stephen Morgan said the government would consider alternatives to the current process when shaping the next scheme.