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
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Environment

Major clean-up begins at notorious Kidlington waste site
Environment

Major clean-up begins at notorious Kidlington waste site

Criminals dumped waste across 8,000 square metres of land near the A34 in Kidlington which was finally put to an end in October 2025 after officers shut down the site

Mia Willemsen
clock 15 April 2026 • 3 min read
Livestock group demands action as wildfires rage
Environment

Livestock group demands action as wildfires rage

The role of grazing animals must not be ignored in protection of upland areas, urges NSA chief

Jane Thynne
clock 08 April 2026 • 2 min read
Northamptonshire sees recovery in Red List birds during bird count
Environment

Northamptonshire sees recovery in Red List birds during bird count

A Northamptonshire estate has recorded seven Red List bird species and an increase in overall bird numbers during the Big Farmland Bird Count

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 05 April 2026 • 2 min read