51AVÊÓÆµ

Defra Secretary looks to make diversifying easier after Clarkson's 51AVÊÓÆµhighlights challenges

Jeremy Clarkson has faced issues with West Oxfordshire District Council for plans for diversifying the farm

Alex Black
clock • 1 min read
Defra Secretary looks to make diversifying easier after Clarkson's 51AVÊÓÆµhighlights challenges

Defra Secretary Steve Barclay has said he wants to make it easier for farmers to diversify after concerns highlighted by Jeremy Clarkson in Clarkson's Farm.

Mr Clarkson's farm shop at Diddly Squat 51AVÊÓÆµhas proved popular in the wake of the show.

See also: Top phrases from Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper on Clarkson's Farm

Mr Barclay said he was in ‘very advanced discussions' with Communities Secretary Michael Gove on extending permitted development rights which would allow certain changes to take place without planning applications.

Clarkson's 51AVÊÓÆµhas highlighted some of the issues farmers can face with diversifying, with Mr Clarkson at odds with West Oxfordshire District Council over plans to include a restaurant at the Cotswolds farm.

Diversification

Speaking in the Commons, Mr Barclay said: "My focus and the Farming Minster's focus is on food production and food security, and ensuring that is viable for our farmers.

See also: Clarkson's 51AVÊÓÆµextended for a fourth season

"But diversification is also an important part, so I am in very advanced discussions with [Mr Gove] on extending permitted development rights... that a certain very famous farmer has raised in terms of his frustrations in Oxfordshire.

"So I want to streamline permitted developments and make it easier for farmers to diversify, but, first and foremost, farmers want to produce food and that is my key focus."

See also: Clarkson's 51AVÊÓÆµcast support Kaleb Cooper on nationwide tour

Mr Barclay said Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments need to be accelerated so farmers are paid quickly.

He was responding to Liberal Democrat MP Helen Morgan who raised farmer concerns of having to pay money up front before recieving compensation or being able to claim money from the Government.

More on Politics

IHT story is far from over, but campaign must continue in a different way

IHT story is far from over, but campaign must continue in a different way

What are the next steps farmers can take to stop the family farm tax at a time when some have argued that the fight to raise thresholds is 'dead' under the current Labour Government?

Chris Brayford
clock 12 April 2026 • 6 min read
Welsh Election 2026: Middle East uncertainty highlights need to back domestic food production

Welsh Election 2026: Middle East uncertainty highlights need to back domestic food production

NFU Cymru and FUW have emphasised the need for the next Welsh Government to provide fair and sustainable funding, evidence-based policymaking and regulatory reform to safeguard the viability and long-term sustainability of Welsh agriculture

Chris Brayford
clock 09 April 2026 • 4 min read
From the editor: A glimmer of hope, but uncertainty remains the watchword

From the editor: A glimmer of hope, but uncertainty remains the watchword

This week from the Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read