The Changing Landscape in Farming
Oliver Knight
15 years: Agricultural specialist
Farmers have to manage multiple objectives, with environmental management now being added to the mix as a priority. Join Oliver Knight as he explores state legislation and supranational sustainable farming incentives.
Farmers have to manage multiple objectives, with environmental management now being added to the mix as a priority. Join Oliver Knight as he explores state legislation and supranational sustainable farming incentives.
The Changing Landscape in Farming
5 mins 26 secs
Farmers are now being asked to incorporate sustainable farming objectives to reduce negative environmental impacts. This is coming from state supported legislation (such as the Agriculture Act 2020 and the Environment Act 2021 in the UK) as well as supranational legislation (such as the EU’s Green Deal and The World Bank’s Climate Smart Agriculture - Adaptation Fund and Special Climate Fund).
Key learning objectives:
Understand the multiple farming objectives
Identify examples of farming legislation and incentives
Learn the benefits and drawbacks of private sector support
What are some examples of state legislation for farming?
In England there is the Agriculture Act 2020, the Environment Act 2021 and the 25 year environment plan. There is also the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs).
What are some examples of supranational incentives for farming?
Europe is in negotiations for a Green Deal, which is also focused on payments linked to environmental practices and food standards for international trade.
The World Bank is also operating a number of funds, particularly for developing countries. This includes:
- Climate Smart Agriculture - Adaptation Fund
- Least Developed Countries Fund
- Special Climate Fund
- Clean Development Mechanism
What are the benefits and drawbacks of private sector support?
Done well, they can provide a new revenue stream for farmers and an acceleration of nature-based solutions. Done badly, they can delay change to address the real source of emissions and can distort land prices and land management practices. Farmers are also facing increasingly overt ‘buyer standards’ from food processors or supermarkets, for example demanding demonstration of action to support the transition to net zero, or practices to support biodiversity. These have the potential to influence behaviour rapidly, but can be a blunt instrument.
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