The future of farming

Our food systems are under huge pressure and major change is on its way. In the first of our future of farming series, we report from the Oxford Farming Conference to see how the agricultural world is facing the headwinds

- Fergus Collins and Amy Grimes

Held almost every year since 1936, the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) gathers farmers, economists, policy makers and other experts from within the food-growing community to explore rural issues and give farmers a voice through a series of speeches, debates and workshops. The headline theme this year was ‘Facing Change, Finding Opportunity’ - a recognition that the future is challenging.

Steve Reed, the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, gave the plenary speech, setting out how the new Labour Government would tackle some of the issues. But there were many other fascinating insights into how the future of farming may be shaped, and not just from within the UK. International efforts offer insight into what we might expect to happen here - from technological advances and new policies to fresh ways of thinking and working. Here are 10 key takeaways from OFC 2025.

FARM GRANTS UNCERTAINTY

The nature and climate crisis is acute in the UK. State of Nature reports produced by the major conservation NGOs over recent years reveal that agriculture is a major driver of biodiversity declines and is a significant contributor to carbon emissions.

Many studies have shown that a better integrated health, environment and food strategy can lead to resilient, sustainable and profitable farming that benefits the environment. The UK Government appeared to have recognised this and, as environment secretary Steve Reed outlined in his OFC speech, was using a system of grants to reward and support sustainable food production in England while protecting and enhancing nature. This is called the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own farming policies.