²ÝÁñÉçÇø

²ÝÁñÉçÇø demand clarity as fears grow that ELM budget could be cut at the next Spending Review

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the farming organisation was seeking urgent clarity from Defra after leaks from Government have revealed that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could make cuts to the nature-friendly farming budget at the Spending Review

Chris Brayford
clock • 7 min read
NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Farming is resilient and innovative but if promises from Government that farmers would be partners in doing environmental good have been reneged on, it will leave farmers prioritising economic returns and balancing tough choices between farming the land as hard as they can just to make a living and continuing to focus on environmental works they have been proud to deliver."
Image:

NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Farming is resilient and innovative but if promises from Government that farmers would be partners in doing environmental good have been reneged on, it will leave farmers prioritising economic returns and balancing tough choices between farming the land as hard as they can just to make a living and continuing to focus on environmental works they have been proud to deliver."

²ÝÁñÉçÇø have warned cuts to the budget for Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs) will mean the Government is effectively 'giving up' on its own environmental targets. NFU president Tom Bradshaw...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Environment

Farming Matters: Phil Hambling – "Public debate overlooks the quiet progress being made on livestock emissions"

Farming Matters: Phil Hambling – "Public debate overlooks the quiet progress being made on livestock emissions"

This week's opinion from throughout the world of agriculture: Phil Hambling, director of agriculture and sustainable sourcing at ABP UK

Phil Hambling
clock 21 March 2026 • 3 min read
National Park unveils plans to tackle overgrazing

National Park unveils plans to tackle overgrazing

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority says its not a question of food versus nature

clock 15 March 2026 • 2 min read
Brian Richardson: Time for farming to reset the agenda on carbon net zero

Brian Richardson: Time for farming to reset the agenda on carbon net zero

Brian Richardson is UK head of agriculture at Virgin Money

Brian Richardson
clock 09 March 2026 • 4 min read