UK — The UK government published a new plan for British farming on Wednesday. The plan warns that geopolitical instability, the climate crisis, environmental degradation, and supply chain disruptions are affecting the UK's food security.

The government document warns that these factors could increase the risk of "severe food price shocks" and in some "extreme situations, lead to reduced availability of certain foods." The plan identifies a shift away from fertilizers and pesticides towards more sustainable farming systems as a key solution. It states, "Nature-friendly farming systems can sustain or enhance production while strengthening resilience and reducing input dependency." The plan adds, "Too often, the debate around farming and the environment is framed as a trade-off, with food production on one side and nature recovery on the other. But the most resilient farms are profitable precisely because they work with the environment, not against it." Potato prices in the UK rose by 22% during January and February 2024 following heavy rain in the previous year, according to the plan.

Emma Reynolds, the Environment Secretary, stated the plan marks a "shift away from only looking to the next harvest and towards a plan that gives farmers the long-term clarity they need to innovate, invest and grow with confidence for generations to come."

Tom Bradshaw, president of the National Farmers' Union, criticized the government plan for failing to allocate long-term funding to deal with climate breakdown. Bradshaw indicated that continuing record temperatures illustrate the challenges facing the farming sector. "The Treasury is conspicuously absent in this plan," Bradshaw said. He added, "Instead, it tips the balance of risk even more on to the shoulders of farmers."

The government plan states that the budget for environmental land management (ELM) schemes will increase to up to £2 billion a year by 2029. The UK government allocated an additional £53 million to the farming innovation program on Wednesday. This funding will include dedicated rounds focused on robotics, soil health, and water management. Additionally, the UK government launched a new £30 million farmer collaboration fund intended to support groups of farmers in growing their businesses, building partnerships, and sharing best practices.

Martin Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, stated, "It is a great relief that the plan recognises the interconnectedness of farming, food production, climate and nature." Lines said that the government needs to support the implementation of the plan by backing England's farmers with investment, schemes, and market conditions. He added, "With the right support and investment, farming systems built on healthy soils, clean water and living ecosystems can deliver a range of produce and outcomes while restoring nature and helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change."

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) closed applications for the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) ELM scheme last March. The government plan states that applications for a revised SFI scheme will open this month for small farms and those without an agreement. Applications for the revised SFI scheme will open in September for all eligible farms.