As dry weather persists across the United Kingdom, environmental and farming groups are united in their call to the government for increased support. Reports indicate that some farms have received as little as 20ml of rainfall over the crucial months of March and April. This significant reduction in precipitation not only strains crop growth but also hampers grass development for livestock. The coalition, which includes prominent organisations such as the National Farmers' Union (NFU), the RSPB, the National Trust, and the Woodland Trust, is warning that continued dry conditions threaten both British food production and the broader natural environment.
Tom Bradshaw, the president of the NFU, emphasized the critical role that water plays in food production, stating, “The impacts of climate change are already being felt by farmers and growers, many of whom were underwater only a few months ago and now find their soil dried out.” This perspective reflects a broader climate reality where the frequency of extreme weather events is increasing, underscoring the urgent need for a resilient agricultural framework to safeguard future food security.
Despite ongoing discussions about the Environmental Land Management schemes, which are designed to enhance drought resilience and mitigate the impacts of flooding, uncertainty surrounds their funding. The NFU and affiliated groups are advocating for the government to protect the farming budget in the upcoming spending review, highlighting that sustained investment in environmental protections is vital for creating a more resilient agricultural sector.
The conversation surrounding farming resilience is not new, as Minette Batters, in her recent column for Country Life, reiterated the pressing need to address profitability in the sector amidst challenges exacerbated by climate variability. She noted that the government’s transition from the EU's Common Agricultural Policy to the current framework has been fraught with issues, including inadequate funding and inconsistent support across regions.
In light of the significant weather disruptions over the past 18 months, which have included some of the wettest conditions on record leading to flooded agricultural lands, UK farmers like Luke Abblitt in Cambridgeshire are confronting an unpredictable future. Reports indicate that while the government has offered grants to support farmers, many are ineligible, leading to reduced crop planting and heightened concerns about future shortages. The complexities of post-Brexit trade further complicate the situation, as supermarkets seek alternative sources amidst potential supply disruptions.
Furthermore, a report from the Climate Change Committee (CCC) has deemed current government preparations for climate-induced flooding and extreme weather as insufficient. It has called for a coherent strategy that includes long-term adaptation goals and the investment in critical infrastructure. The CCC warns that without significant progress in adapting to these shifts, the impacts could lead to grave consequences for public health and the economy.
Amid these pressing concerns, environmental organisations, including the Wildlife Trusts, are advocating for a stronger commitment to farming subsidies that support sustainable practices. They propose that the annual farming budget in England should increase to at least £3.1 billion and that 3,000 Countryside Stewardship Agreements should be delivered each year by 2028. This emphasis on environmental stewardship highlights the interconnectedness of farming and nature, advocating for a system where both can thrive.
Moving forward, the coalition of agricultural and environmental groups insists that robust government support is crucial to ensure a sustainable future for farming. They argue that investment in soil health and practices such as tree planting and cover cropping is essential to combat the immediate effects of dry weather while also building long-term resilience against the uncertain climate landscape. The path forward is uncertain, but the need for a collective effort to bolster food security and enhance environmental protection has never been more clear.
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Source: Noah Wire Services