In late 2024 to early 2025, we visited farms embracing the rewiring of England’s farming policy following Brexit. In 2025, for the first time, more of the government’s budget will be spent under the new ‘public money for public goods’ approach than the old area based scheme. This is a significant moment that has been broadly welcomed by farmers and environmentalists alike.

Despite this major progress, changes are urgently needed. Whilst many farms are shifting towards environmental delivery to derisk food production that has been hit hard by poor harvests, this government has inherited a policy that isn’t driving progress on emissions or biodiversity in the right direction at a national level. Worryingly, many farms wanting to take the most ambitious actions are not being supported to do so, whilst farmers new to nature friendly farming need more advice on how to navigate the schemes.

On Wednesday 5 February, we launched our report showcasing six farms across England, from the uplands and lowlands, to arable farms in Essex and livestock farms in Dartmoor.

Speakers:

• Chair: Lydia Collas, head of natural environment, Green Alliance
• Daniel Zeichner MP, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
• Tim Coates, Dunthrop Farm
• Naomi Oakley, Challacombe Farm
• Alice Groom, head of farming, RSPB

We were delighted to be joined by some of the farmers we visited, for the panel discussion exploring their experiences of the agricultural transition and what they needed from policy makers to secure their businesses long term.