In a landmark shift, UK agriculture is poised for transformation as subsidies shift towards environmental and productivity goals post-Brexit.
- A seven-year plan will phase out subsidies based on land area, focusing instead on productivity and environmental improvements by 2028.
- The scheme will reallocate £1 billion annually to promote cleaner air and water, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.
- Animal welfare improvements will receive new funding, emphasising disease eradication and humane practices.
- New provisions will support farmers transitioning out of the industry while incentivising sustainable practices.
Agriculture in England is on the cusp of its most significant reform in decades, with a government plan to phase out subsidies linked to land ownership over seven years. By 2028, direct payments under the EU’s former policy will be replaced by incentives tied to productivity enhancements and environmental benefits. This transition aims to ensure farmers operate independent of public subsidies.
The proposed changes will see at least half of current direct payments reduced by 2024. The ultimate goal is for all farmers to cultivate sustainable businesses without relying on government support. Meanwhile, the National Farmers’ Union has expressed concerns about the rapid subsidy reductions, warning of potential risks to domestic food production.
A revised environmental land management scheme will redirect £1 billion annually to initiatives targeting air and water cleanliness, plant and wildlife flourishing, and climate resilience. Smaller landowners will see gradual payment reductions, while larger estates will face more significant cuts, culminating in a reformed subsidy system by 2024.
In support of animal welfare, the government will implement measures to improve livestock health and conditions. From 2023, a results-based payment system will reward farmers for enhancing animal welfare, specifically targeting prevalent diseases among cattle, pigs, and sheep.
The plan includes a strategic exit from farming for those wishing to leave the industry, providing lump-sum payments to facilitate this transition. New entrants will be supported through a developing scheme set to launch in 2022, encouraging new generations to enter the field.
Grants will also be made available for farmers to invest in advanced equipment and infrastructure, fostering both productivity and environmental gains. This competitive scheme prioritises applications that deliver public benefits, aiming to align economic viability with ecological responsibility.
The post-Brexit agricultural strategy represents a profound shift towards sustainability and self-sufficiency within the UK’s farming sector.
