This Roadmap could be the beginning of a regenerative farming revolution

Today the Government announces the Farming Roadmap – a long-awaited plan which should set out the future direction of the agricultural sector. This is a massive opportunity for the Government to get farming right. Environmentalists have long been calling for more, and longer term, funding for Environmental Land Management schemes. This would help support farmers transition to more nature-friendly methods while maintaining profitable businesses. NGOs want to see farmers rewarded for healthier soils to capture more carbon, more trees for natural cooling and water retention, and less harmful chemicals sprayed on the land.

Richard Benwell, Chief Executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, says:
“A long-term plan for nature-friendly farming promises a bumper harvest of economic resilience, national security and wildlife recovery. The Farming Roadmap looks like a bold step in the right direction. Its focus on long-term incentives for nature-recovery and a rising regulatory baseline is spot on for cleaner rivers, healthier soils, and a more sustainable future for farming.

“But a plan is only as good as its implementation. Government must now bring the Roadmap to life by boosting funding for the most ambitious Landscape Recovery and Countryside Stewardship agreements. This Government has so many opportunities: a bold SPS agreement with the EU to reduce pesticide use, rapid roll-out of nature-friendly farming contracts, and a horticulture plan to boost fruit and veg production in peat-free systems. This Roadmap could be the beginning of a regenerative farming revolution, breathing life back into the countryside.”