The climate is changing. It is doing so measurably and quicker than expected, with significant impacts. From periods of extended rains, almost monsoon-like in nature, to periods of drought, weather patterns are becoming incredibly unpredictable.
Bidwells wide ranging farming clients that are negotiating these challenges best are those practicing climate friendly farming practices, working with their environment, not against it.
Climate positive farming
Activities which degrade soil condition, excessive cultivation and fail to provide sufficient rotation variety, now all come with a very real cost. Measures such as shallower cultivations, a more holistic rotation and use of livestock, all result in more resilient soils and are applicable to all scales of farming operation. These in turn create more profitable and resilient farming businesses. None of these are new concepts, and prior to widespread use of synthetic fertilisers and agri-chemicals, were common across the industry. Much can be gained from looking back and implementing practices that can improve the performance of farm businesses, alongside adopting modern advanced technologies.
A double incentive is that many of these actions are now supported through government grant via the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)Whilst overall government support for the sector decreases, it seems funding for the SFI scheme is intended to remain and participation in this scheme goes some way to supporting and derisking a farming business, with innovative use of SFI options often recouping more than half of the previous scheme income per hectare.
Positive Outlook on High Level Trends
Climate positive farming does not mean reducing production. Intensive production is essential in the light of global pressures on food security. Not only to ensure that affordable high-quality food is available, but to reduce the environmental impact of our food.
High levels of intensive agricultural production need not come at the expense of environmental protection or improvement. Implementing SFI options and only farming the land that is economically viable to farm, leaving the remainder for environmental purposes, is at an industry level something that should be aimed for. When it comes to carbon emissions, intensive production is on a sure footing. The tonnes of carbon per unit of production are much lower than less intensive systems, meaning more is being produced from less. To continue to minimise the carbon emissions from agriculture, continued improvement in production methods (machine efficiency, chemistry, plant breeding and management) is essential so that more land can be used for environmental protection.
The UK has had one of the smallest wheat crops of recent times,and other major European producers are increasingly affected by adverse weather. Food security will soon be on the Government’s radar, and in the medium to long term, this can give some confidence that there will be market for UK food producers as domestic supply becomes more of a priority.
The policy and industry debate surround agriculture’s role in environmental protection, the appropriateness of farming systems and resultant economic viability will continue to develop in the coming years. However, there is scope for business growth for food producers, and food security will be seen a priority as wider society becomes aware of the impact of agriculture in daily life.
