A poor legacy for government
On sending the letter NFU Deputy President David Exwood said “the Minister can be in absolutely no doubt reading this letter of the deep concerns being shown right across our industry”.
“The impacts would be monumental for the future of nature-friendly farming and on farmers’ ability to deliver key environmental targets.
“As we outline in the letter, the ELM scheme is crucial in helping farms of all sizes deliver environmental goods such as boosting nature, creating habitats for wildlife, and improving soil health and river quality, all alongside producing sustainable and affordable food.
“Any cut in funding is a sign that this government has given up on the environment.”
The letter concludes that many of the environmental features in the countryside enjoyed by the public would be under threat and will disappear.
‘This would be a poor legacy for government,’ leaders write.
The Spending Review is due to be announced on 11 June and will confirm all departmental finances for 2027-2030. Cuts are expected, but the details are yet to be made public.
The NFU will be delivering its analysis following the announcement. You can continue to track our lobbying work ahead of the Spending Review via our timeline.
Signatories on the letter include:
- David Exwood, Deputy President, National Farmers Union
- Victoria Vyvyan, President, Country Land and Business Association
- Robert Martin, National Chair, Tenant Farmers Association
- Beccy Speight, Chief Executive Officer, RSPB
- Harry Bowell, Director of Land and Nature, National Trust
- Nick Von Westenholz, Chief Executive Officer, Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Martin Lines, Chief Executive Officer, Nature Friendly Farming Network
- Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Adviser, Central Association of Agricultural Valuers
- Helen Browning OBE, Chief Executive, Soil Association
- Robbie Tuer, Chair, National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs
- Wendy Jenkins, Chair, British Institute of Agricultural Consultants
- Robert Sheasby, Chief Executive, Agricultural Industries Confederation