The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) has voiced support for the potential publication of a long-anticipated strategic Land Use Framework in November, following discussions at the Labour Party Conference. The NFFN believes the framework will play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable farming future for the UK, while addressing critical challenges such as climate change.
The NFFN, a farmer-led organisation, is calling on the Government to ensure that the framework is ambitious enough to secure a resilient agricultural sector. They argue that the sector must be economically strong and able to confront the increasing threats posed by climate change. The group also stressed the importance of supporting environmentally conscious practices like agroforestry, which helps boost biodiversity while maintaining food production.
Martin Lines, CEO of the NFFN, said the Land Use Framework is essential for ensuring the UK’s food security and helping farmers achieve their environmental goals. He highlighted how optimising land for multiple uses could increase farmers’ revenue streams and strengthen their ability to support nature-friendly farming practices.
“A strategic Land Use Framework is crucial for the UK’s food security and for helping farmers achieve their environmental goals. It will enable them to optimise their land for multiple purposes, potentially increasing revenue streams while supporting practices like agroforestry, which enhance biodiversity and maintain food production,” Lines said.
The NFFN is urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed to avoid any further cuts to farming budgets. They warn that reducing funding could hamper the farming sector’s ability to transition towards more sustainable practices. The organisation pointed to the previous administration’s underspend of £130 million on agriculture, which they argue undermined efforts to drive this transition effectively.
Recent survey results from the NFFN reveal widespread concern among farmers who prioritise environmental stewardship. The survey found that nature-friendly farmers are particularly worried about how climate change is affecting their businesses, which reflects broader anxieties in the farming community. These fears come as new analysis suggests the UK could face one of its worst harvests on record due to adverse weather conditions.
The survey also uncovered a lack of confidence in Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his cabinet’s commitment to supporting the farming industry. Farmers expressed doubt that the current administration will deliver on promises to protect the sector and meet environmental protection targets.
Lines emphasised that a well-funded farming budget and a clear roadmap are essential for the industry’s future. “We need a farming budget that is fit for purpose. It is now evident that current spending levels will fall short of meeting the Government’s own environmental protection targets,” he said.
“We urgently need a clear and ambitious vision for the future of farming, alongside a well-funded, transparent roadmap to deliver it. This includes investing in land management schemes that offer the greatest benefit to nature.”
Lines added that nature-friendly farmers, who already provide sustainable, high-quality food while supporting biodiversity, are not receiving adequate financial recognition for their efforts.
