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

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

 

2017, JCB 520-40 COMPACT

2017, JCB 520-40 COMPACT

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

CASEIH PUMA 200

CASEIH PUMA 200

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

2015, ISEKI 3265

2015, ISEKI 3265

VIEW ADVERT
£POA

More on Environment

Farmers demand clarity with fears that ELM Budget could be cut at the Spending Review

Farmers demand clarity with fears that ELM Budget could be cut at the Spending Review

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the farming organisation is 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

clock 28 May 2025 • 5 min read
New mapping finds England's peatlands in a 'worrying, degraded state '

New mapping finds England's peatlands in a 'worrying, degraded state '

Restoration of 55% of peatland to near-natural condition will have a value of around £50 billion in reduced carbon emissions, says Natural England

clock 12 May 2025 • 2 min read
Opportunities and challenges on the road to net zero for farming

Opportunities and challenges on the road to net zero for farming

With a spotlight on the environment and sustainability, and how they works in harmony with agriculture, we spoke to Indra Thillainathan from the Climate Change Committee on what it means for farmers

clock 09 May 2025 • 4 min read