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News

Spending Review confirms importance of nature-friendly farming

NFFN has cautiously welcomed the Government’s decision to safeguard funding for nature-friendly farming - but warns that future investment must go further to meet the UK’s climate and nature goals.

Despite broader cuts in public spending, the latest Comprehensive Spending Review signals continued support for nature-friendly farming. Ministers have confirmed that over £2.7 billion per year will be invested in farming and nature recovery from 2026–27 to 2028–29. Crucially, this includes a rise in funding for the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes - from £800 million in 2023–24 to £2 billion by 2028–29 - which reward farmers for environmental practices such as natural flood defences and wildlife habitat creation.

NFFN CEO Martin Lines said: “Given the challenging economic climate, it’s a relief that the budget for nature-friendly farming has been largely protected. Ministers have listened to our calls to recognise the value of nature-friendly farming and what it can do. But this is only a start."

The funding announced today must now be matched by faster delivery, clearer and better-designed schemes, and real rewards for the farmers who are ready to do more for nature.

"The challenges facing food production, biodiversity and climate resilience demand far greater ambition. Without increased investment, we risk falling short of our national commitments and letting down the very farmers ready to lead the transition.

“Investing in nature-friendly farming isn’t a luxury - it’s essential to future-proof British farming, protect our communities, and secure our food production. This investment benefits everyone, whether protecting communities from devastating flooding, supporting affordable renewable energy or ensuring high-quality food is available on supermarket shelves. The funding announced today must now be matched by faster delivery, clearer and better-designed schemes, and real rewards for the farmers who are ready to do more for nature.”

The Spending Review comes during one of the driest springs in decades, with many UK farmers struggling as crops fail due to high temperatures and low rainfall.

NFFN continues to urge the UK Government to ensure faster rollout of the ELM schemes, clearer guidance, and more substantial rewards for farmers delivering the highest environmental gains. It also calls on devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to channel their funding towards ambitious, nature-positive farming policies.

“The tools and solutions are already in farmers’ hands,” Martin Lines concluded. “Now we need government to back them.”

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