NFFN chief executive has asked Government to help provide for farmers when their CS agreements come to an end
The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is urging the Government to support farmers whose Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreements come to an end this year.
The farmer-led organisation is calling for a one-year rollover agreement for farmers in England whose CS agreement finish on December 31. As it stands, there is no agri-environment scheme available for them to enter.
Tight margins
With arable farmers in particular operating on tight margins, there is real concern many will have no choice but to plough up valuable habitat to grow more crops, simply to generate enough income.
This would be a major backwards step for nature's recovery in England and seriously undermine the Government's legally binding target to reverse species decline by 2030, as well as its wider climate commitments.
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NFFN chief executive Martin Lines said: "The Government has failed to provide a joined-up approach to moving farmers into new agreements, leaving an enormous gap that now needs bridging. Fortunately, there is still time for ministers to act. A one-year rollover agreement for CS farmers would provide the badly needed confidence.
"Farmers have been put in a very difficult position with no certainty. Once farmers leave agri-environment schemes, it is highly unlikely they will return as trust will be broken."
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This gap has arisen because the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which should accommodate most farmers currently in CS Mid Tier schemes, is closed to new applicants until next year. Farmers with CS Higher Tier agreements are similarly left in limbo, as the new CS Higher Tier - part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes - will be invite-only.
Droughts
The NFFN said proper investment in nature-friendly farming is vital for the future. With heatwaves and droughts already hitting farms hard, food security and the long-term viability of farm businesses depend on moving to low-input systems that work with nature.
Mr Lines is urging farmers to see the environmental benefits of schemes like CS as essential to preparing their businesses for both current and future challenges.
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He added: "We need farming that focuses on soil health, biodiversity and reducing costs. This isn't just about money - it is about building resilience in both our landscape and our businesses.
"Farmers play a crucial role in managing water, protecting habitats and boosting biodiversity. Nature-friendly farming can also cut many of the core costs tied to environmental management.
"We need the right support that both recognises the benefits of nature-friendly farming and ensures every penny of public money is spent as effectively as possible."
