The UK government's new farming plan warns the climate crisis could cause food price shocks and shortages, but farmers argue it lacks sufficient funding to address these threats. The plan emphasizes sustainable farming, but critics say the financial support is inadequate.
The government's acknowledgment of climate-related food security risks and proposed shift to sustainable farming practices are significant, but the lack of perceived adequate funding raises concerns about the practical implementation and the ability of farmers to adapt to future challenges.
The UK government has released a new plan for British farming, warning that the climate crisis, alongside geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions, could lead to significant food price shocks and reduced availability of certain foods. The plan, published on Wednesday, outlines a vision for the long-term direction of farming, emphasizing a shift towards more sustainable, nature-friendly systems that enhance production while strengthening resilience and reducing reliance on inputs like fertilizers and pesticides.
However, the plan has drawn criticism from farming representatives who argue it fails to provide adequate long-term funding to tackle these threats. Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers' Union, acknowledged the risks posed by climate change, citing record temperatures, but stated that the plan places too much risk on farmers without sufficient Treasury backing. While the government has committed to increasing the budget for Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes to up to £2 billion a year by 2029 and allocated additional funds to innovation and collaboration programs, farmers argue this is insufficient.
Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, welcomed the plan's recognition of the interconnectedness of farming, food production, climate, and nature. He stressed the need for government support through investment, schemes, and market conditions to enable farming systems built on healthy soils and ecosystems to deliver for food production, nature recovery, and economic growth. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated the plan provides farmers with long-term clarity to innovate and invest for future generations.