Ministers have recognised the importance of nature-friendly farming in the latest Government spending decisions.

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) noted the small cut announced to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) budget in the Comprehensive Spending Review with cautious optimism, describing it as a vote of confidence in nature-friendly farming during tough economic times.

While savings will be required within Defra, the Government has confirmed it will invest more than £2.7 billion per year in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026–27 to 2028–29. This includes a commitment to increase funding for the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes from £800 million in 2023–24 to £2 billion by 2028–29. These schemes reward farmers for delivering environmental benefits, such as natural flood management and creating wildlife habitats on farms.

However, the farmer-led organisation warned that current levels of funding still fall short of what’s needed to meet the UK’s legally binding climate and nature targets. Future spending increases must be part of any serious strategy for land use, food security and farm resilience.

Martin Lines, CEO of the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN), said: “Given the challenging economic climate, it is 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.

“However, 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 Comprehensive Spending Review comes at a time when the impact of the climate on farming has been starkly revealed by the driest spring in decades across the UK. High temperatures and a lack of rain have pushed many farmers to the brink, with crops failing as a result.

The NFFN stresses that support is essential to build farm resilience and safeguard Britain’s ability to produce food. It is now urging ministers to use ELMs to reward more ambitious action for nature on England’s farms, with increased funding for the higher tiers which support farmers to do more for biodiversity and climate.

The organisation is also urging the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to use their allocations from the review to continue developing ambitious post-Brexit agricultural support schemes with nature-friendly farming at their heart.

Mr Lines concluded: “Farmland has a vital role to play in adapting to climate change, and farmers have the skills to deliver what is needed. The solutions for a sustainable future exist - we now need the Government to back and fund them.”

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

NFFN CEO Martin Lines is available for interviews. To speak to him, contact NFFN Head of Comms, Veronique Verlinden, at veronique.verlinden@nffn.org.uk or on 07944440970.

Nature Friendly Farming Network

The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is a UK farmer-led network working to mainstream nature-friendly farming as the most sustainable way of producing food. It is a membership organisation led by farmers, working alongside other organisations and public supporters. It unites farmers across the UK who champion how food and farming can positively influence change. Together, we are a strong voice for sustainable food and farming in the UK.

NFFN supports farmers at every stage of their journey towards nature-friendly practices. By showcasing the experiences of pioneering farmers, NFFN shares valuable knowledge that empowers those in transition to produce abundant food sustainably. It is committed to shaping food and farming policies that ensure fairer returns for farmers, improved access to sustainable food and greater environmental stewardship. NFFN highlights whole-farm approaches that restore rural environments, regenerate ecosystems, protect biodiversity, address climate change and enhance resilience against natural or economic shocks.

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