Farmers Weekly and partners send open letter sent to government
© Adobe Stock More coherent government policies and adequate public funding are required “without delay” if farmers are to meet the dual challenges of improving the environment while ensuring food security for the nation.
Those are the two key messages in an open letter sent by Farmers Weekly and 12 of its “Transition partners” to government, to coincide with the Labour government’s first 100 days in office.
See also: Scottish agricultural support scheme changes – what we know
The letter is addressed to both the chancellor Rachel Reeves and the Defra secretary Steve Reed, reflecting their pivotal positions in charge of the budget and agricultural support policy.
It notes that farming is a long-term game, but the current uncertainty surrounding government policies and the lack of clarity on future funding are undermining farmers’ ability to meet their multiple objectives.
“We believe it is possible to address food security and environmental concerns simultaneously,” says the letter.
“To do so, environmental schemes must focus on reversing climate damage while supporting farmers’ productivity.
“Coherent policies must be urgently developed to ensure these schemes can be implemented without delay.
“At the same time, farmers need assurance that the schemes will be adequately funded to ensure their delivery in the short, medium and long-term.”
‘Lack of clarity’
The Farmers Weekly Transition project is a cross-industry initiative working to secure a sustainable future for farm businesses and UK agriculture. It is backed by more than 30 agri-businesses and organisations
One of the signatories to the letter is Robert Sullivan, a director at rural land specialist GSC Grays.
“The government needs to provide greater clarity as there is too much uncertainty at the moment, which is stifling businesses from being able to make long-term decisions,” he said.
“The lack of clarity around future funding and the development of the new environmental schemes does not allow farmers to make any long-term decisions to plan for the future.
“Add to this the potential changes in the tax regime impacting the availability of land, and the lack of engagement with farming organisations, and the whole agricultural sector is stagnating.”
Progress
Prof Michael Lee from Harper Adams University also points to the need for faster progress in supporting the agricultural transition.
“Although the trend is for a greater adoption of carbon benchmarking and the Sustainable Farming Incentive, this appears to be primarily driven by private incentivisation via supply chain schemes, rather than targeted, strategic, government-driven support for farming communities.
“The new government needs to provide the support needed to protect our food production base and realise that the heart of carbon capture and storage is in our countryside, managed by our farmers.”
The letter in full:
British farmers have a vital role – not only to ensure UK food security but also to enhance the environment and mitigate climate change.
But progress towards achieving these goals is being hampered by ongoing uncertainty around government policies for UK agriculture – including a lack of clarity on the funding of environmental incentives and support for baseline assessment.
Farming is a long-term game – both in terms of food production and environmental management. But growers and livestock producers are finding it difficult to make informed, long-term decisions for their businesses.
The situation is being exacerbated by uncertainty over potential changes to the tax regime and carbon markets. This is discouraging many farmers from investing in more sustainable farming practices which can produce food while meeting net-zero targets.
We believe it is possible to address food security and environmental concerns simultaneously.
To do so, environmental schemes must focus on reversing climate damage while supporting farmers’ productivity.
Coherent policies must be urgently developed to ensure these schemes can be implemented without delay.
At the same time, farmers need assurance that the schemes will be adequately funded to ensure their delivery in the short, medium and long term.
A clear and properly resourced agri-environmental framework will also encourage new entrants into the sector – helping to ensure it is equipped with the skills and innovative thinking that sustainable farming requires.
Targeted training programmes, support for skill providers, clear policies, and well-developed environmental initiatives are essential to advance UK farming – and ensure it continues to deliver sustainable food security for the long term.
Signatories: Harper Adams University, Nature Friendly Farming Network, Lantra, Leaf, The Institute for Agriculture & Horticulture, AB Agri, Agreena, Anglian Water, Claydon Drill, GSC Grays, Kite Consulting, Shakespeare Martineau
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