The ‘Farm of the Future: Journey to Net Zero’ report puts forward a vision of how farming across the UK might adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. It draws upon a wide spectrum of specialist knowledge and includes:
- Technical and policy insights on key topics of farm and land resource management
- Low carbon and renewable energy
- Low emission agricultural vehicles and fuels
- Agri-tech innovation
- Farm enterprises and novel crops
The messages summarised below indicate what is required for government, farmers, growers and land managers to respond effectively to climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and play their part in delivering the UK commitment of net zero by 2050:
- It must be recognised that the primary function of farmers is to produce food – albeit in a low carbon regime.
- Farmers are responsible for managing a large proportion of the UK’s landmass, as guardians of the countryside, with a vital role to play in the implementation of the country’s low carbon transition plans. Effective government support will be essential to deliver the required ‘systems change’ ensuring farm business viability throughout the transition.
- Greater involvement of farmers and representative organisations in the formulation of the Government’s low carbon agricultural policy and its implementation is essential. This must be aligned across government departments acknowledging the complex role of farmers and land managers with responsibility for managing natural resources whilst supplying a secure food supply to the nation and remaining profitable.
- While there is evidence of commitment and activity amongst farmers already working towards a low carbon farming future, it will be challenging and high risk for many. Farmers – those well established and new to the industry – need access to research, knowledge transfer and advisory services aimed especially at restoring soil health, increasing biodiversity and better managing valuable land and water resources.
- An exciting range of innovative approaches and technology solutions are becoming available to farmers. The existing network of farm demonstration sites should be extended to encourage uptake of nature-friendly sustainable farming practices, emerging technologies and rural renewable energy opportunities.
- For farmers to modernise their operations and fully embrace digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, urgent attention and investment must be focused on improved rural connectivity, mobile communications and rural power networks.
- Agriculture is part of an extended supply chain that will be increasingly driven by consumer awareness and choice. Closer cooperation between farmers, processors and retailers, for example with food labelling and carbon accounting, will help promote the value of high quality, sustainable British food in a changing, post-Brexit global market.
- Sound economic valuation of natural capital and new systems must be established to ensure farmers are sufficiently rewarded for their contribution to meeting national and local decarbonisation goals while ensuring food security.