Farmers demand clarity as fears grow that ELM budget could be cut at the next Spending Review

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the farming organisation was seeking urgent clarity from Defra after leaks from Government have revealed that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could make cuts to the nature-friendly farming budget at the Spending Review

Chris Brayford
clock • 7 min read
NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Farming is resilient and innovative but if promises from Government that farmers would be partners in doing environmental good have been reneged on, it will leave farmers prioritising economic returns and balancing tough choices between farming the land as hard as they can just to make a living and continuing to focus on environmental works they have been proud to deliver."
Image:

NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Farming is resilient and innovative but if promises from Government that farmers would be partners in doing environmental good have been reneged on, it will leave farmers prioritising economic returns and balancing tough choices between farming the land as hard as they can just to make a living and continuing to focus on environmental works they have been proud to deliver."

Farmers have warned cuts to the budget for Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs) will mean the Government is effectively 'giving up' on its own environmental targets. NFU president Tom Bradshaw...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Environment

Farmer fined after digestate spill kills one thousand fish

Farmer fined after digestate spill kills one thousand fish

A Cornish farmer has been told to pay out £3,765 after a spill of digestate at his farm led to a fish kill in the River Ottery

Alex Black
clock 18 May 2026 • 2 min read
NFU Scotland call for 'urgent clarification' on grassland greening pause

NFU Scotland call for 'urgent clarification' on grassland greening pause

Union tells Scots Gov to make position accusing First Minister of 'moving too far, too fast'

clock 15 May 2026 • 2 min read
New award seeks to recognise farmers for water quality progress

New award seeks to recognise farmers for water quality progress

Award aims to celebrate the work taking place on farms to protect and enhance water quality through innovative and effective land management

clock 10 May 2026 • 2 min read