Monday 30 December 2019

UK farmers call for policies to support 2040 net zero ambitions

The farmers’ union says the government has a ‘crucial role’ to play in creating policies which incentivise farm businesses to reduce their impact on the climate and collectively work towards net zero agriculture.

NFU President Minette Batters said:“British farmers are already producing some of the most sustainable food in the world and we want to do even more. But we cannot achieve net zero without government investment.”

She added: “Any measures farmers take towards net zero will require investment and significant changes, and we need the future government to create policy which ensures these steps are not only right for the environment, but right for our businesses too.”

The NFU believes that British farmers are part of the solution to the climate crisis and can be ‘pioneers in climate-friendly food production’ if they are supported with the right policies.

The NFU’s call comes after it hosted its first net zero advisory panel with scientists and academics to discuss the short, medium and long-term measures that will be needed for British farming to achieve net zero by 2040.