Sowing doubt: slashing green farm funding is a risk we can't afford

British farmers are once again facing a season of deep uncertainty - literally and figuratively.  We've just experienced the driest spring in 132 years across the UK and drought has officially been declared in the north-west.  Many crops are already under threat.  This comes hot on the heels of one of the wettest seasons in recent memory in 2023/2024, resulting, according to DEFRA figures released yesterday (5 June), in a £1.19 billion hit to arable incomes.  Add to that the lingering impact of the announcement about the removal/reduction of Agricultural Property Relief (APR) for many family farms, and it’s clear that this is a sector in real need of stability and support. 

And yet, as the government prepares for its spending review on 11 June - coinciding, perhaps somewhat ironically, with the Cereals Event - reports are circulating that the sector may face a further blow as funding for green farming schemes may be on the chopping block.

This is worrying news.

Agriculture plays a central role in two of the UK’s most pressing challenges: food security and the drive to net-zero. As the global economic climate continues to shift and supply chains remain fragile, our ability to grow food sustainably and independently has never been more critical. Likewise, farmers are key players in the nation’s environmental strategy.  From carbon sequestration to biodiversity net-gain projects, their work is a stalwart part of the front line of climate resilience.

But they can’t do it alone, and cutting funding now would send entirely the wrong message.

Our rural economy depends on long-term planning, investment, and trust in government policy. Green farming schemes—designed to encourage sustainable practices while maintaining productivity—are not just a “nice-to-have”. They are essential tools for a future-facing agricultural sector that can withstand the pressures of both climate and economic change.

We’ll be watching closely on 11 June, alongside many of our farming clients and colleagues at the Cereals Event. Let’s hope the government recognises that backing British farming isn’t just good policy but a national necessity.