Farmer views sought on Land Use Framework
© Chris Hepburn/istockphoto The UK government is launching a new consultation on land use to reshape how land is managed to bolster food security, support economic growth and protect the natural environment.
Defra secretary Steve Reed will unveil the consultation on the Land Use Framework today (Friday 31 January) in London.
This initiative aims to equip decision-makers with advanced data and tools to balance agriculture, housing, energy and nature restoration across England.
See also: Food production threatened by competing land use demands
A key focus of the consultation is safeguarding the country’s most productive agricultural land.
As the UK faces global uncertainties and climate challenges, the government aims to empower farmers, landowners, businesses and nature groups in shaping the future of land use, ensuring farming continues to provide for national food security.
Labour says this new approach aligns with its broader Plan for Change, which includes building 1.5 million homes, rolling out renewable energy projects, and restoring biodiversity.
The Land Use Framework will promote multi-functional land use, encouraging farmers to manage their land in ways that support food production, environmental protection and housing needs.
In a speech at the Royal Geographical Society, Mr Reed will stress that the framework is designed to encourage collaboration rather than impose restrictions.
He is expected to say: “It’s about pooling our knowledge and resources to give farmers and landowners the tools they need to make informed decisions about their land.”
Mr Reed will also reaffirm the government’s commitment to long-term food production, ensuring farming remains central to the nation’s prosperity.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks, with workshops scheduled across the country to engage stakeholders and gather input from those who manage the land directly. This feedback will be crucial in shaping policies that reconcile farming with the growing demand for housing, energy, and nature restoration.
The framework’s impact on farming is expected to be significant, providing a clear strategy for land use without stifling agricultural innovation. By incentivising multi-use land strategies, the government hopes to unlock private sector investment and help farm businesses thrive in a changing landscape.
Concerns of over-regulation
However, the consultation has raised concerns about potential over-regulation.
The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has expressed caution, urging the government to avoid imposing prescriptive measures that could limit farming’s flexibility.
CLA president Victoria Vyvyan emphasised the importance of land managers being at the heart of any new policy, ensuring they can adapt to evolving needs without unnecessary constraints.
The government is also seeking input on how land can mitigate climate risks, such as flooding, and enhance food system resilience. The final Land Use Framework is expected later this year, marking a critical step in the UK’s efforts to balance agriculture, infrastructure, and environmental conservation.
Industry reaction to Land Use Framework announcement
Martin Lines, chief executive, Nature Friendly Farming Network: “The Land Use Framework is a vital step in shaping landscapes that support farming, food and the environment. By embracing land’s multi-functionality, we can safeguard food production, tackle climate change and protect nature, with farmers and communities leading the way.”
Sue Pritchard, chief executive, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission: “Steve Reed’s land use consultation is a crucial step forward. We’re glad to see it focusing on delivery mechanisms and involving all stakeholders in shaping a framework that balances national and local priorities.”
Guy Shrubsole, environmental campaigner and author of The Lie of the Land: “We need a complete rethink on land use. A bold Land Use Framework can stop nature’s destruction without threatening food production. Nature and food are inseparable, and both are vital for survival.”
Rebecca Pow, former under-secretary of state for nature at Defra: “The Land Use Framework is key to addressing society’s priorities, including food security. We must focus on our best quality land for food production while using less productive land for nature restoration, housing and energy.”
Dr Christopher Lee, landscapes decisions fellow at Exeter University: “We need to transform our landscapes, businesses, and society to cope with the challenges ahead; and we need a Land Use Framework to guide and support our land use change efforts.”