Future investment in nature-friendly farming welcomed

SECTOR leaders have praised ministers for recognising the importance of nature-friendly farming in the latest Government Spending Review, but warned that future investment must increase.

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The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) has noted the small cut announced to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) budget in the Chancellor's speech this month 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 £2bn by 2028-29.

These schemes reward farmers for delivering environmental benefits, such as natural flood management and creating wildlife habitats on farms.