An exclusive CLA poll has found that a reduced the farming budget may force land managers to return to intensive methods, putting environmental improvements at risk.
The snap survey of nearly 500 members comes ahead of the spending review, when the Defra and farming budgets will be announced for April 2026 onwards.
The poll has found:
- 88 per cent say they’ll have to revert to intensive farming if funding is pulled for Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship schemes
- 95 per cent say they’ll reduce the amount of land managed for the environment
- 98 per cent say that Labour does not understand or respect rural communities
- 76 per cent say they are not in a position to fully fund the land management actions in their SFI/CS agreements by themselves
CLA Vice President Joe Evans said, “The Sustainable Farming Incentive is a brilliant policy – it’s good for the farmer, the environment, the consumer and the government. It is one of the most ambitious, forward-thinking agricultural schemes in the world, and we can see from the sheer variety of nature returning to our farmland that it is working.
“If funding is withdrawn from the schemes, almost all our farmers will have no choice but to return to intensive farming – and it will become the latest betrayal from a government that promised it was here to help, not make things worse.”
James Cameron, a farmer from East Kennett, said, “Since entering these schemes, my farm has become a haven for nature. What was once arable land, is now species-rich grassland. Red-listed birds, butterflies and bees have all returned in full force. What we’ve been able to build is magical.
“But now, all of that could vanish. Our entire financial model depends on this scheme. If funding is cut, it will be disastrous. We can’t afford to fund all this work ourselves, and the private sector simply isn’t there yet. We may have no choice but to re-adopt intensive farming practices just to stay afloat.
“Farming is already an uncertain enough business. We need a government that brings stability, not one that plays policy roulette and makes it impossible to operate at every turn.”