Is UK Agriculture Going the Same Way As the Coal and Steel Industry in the 1980s?

Abstract

Four months ago, I was involved in a discussion on the future challenges for UK crop production in the light of increasing future environmental issues. The focus of the discussion was the highly ambitious goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the whole of agriculture in England and Wales by 2040, along with the new subsidy system in the UK associated with the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS). My first contribution to the discussion was to ask the question that is the title of this editorial because there was little discussion on any need for maximising productivity of agriculture and food production in the UK. This discussion was before the invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent global consequences, so perhaps the focus of UK Agricultural strategy in the UK and elsewhere may be re-directed, although I have not seen any evidence of this yet. I have looked further into the background behind the two headlines. The comments on the role of the farmer to grow food for the nation were associated with a presentation by the NFU President, Minette Batters to the 2022 Annual NFU Conference. She presented the issues and challenges for UK Agriculture and was critical of DEFRA's path to Sustainable Farming; a 3-year transition plan which sets out plans for a range of schemes including initiatives to increase biodiversity, restore landscapes, promote animal welfare and increase productivity through investment in new equipment and technology. Central to the new regime is the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS). Future subsidies for UK farmers, replacing the old EU CAP, will be split between the sustainable farming initiatives; large-scale nature schemes, such as rewilding; and farm-level wildlife projects. My intention in this editorial is not to become involved in political discussions, but I do question if there should be a rethink in government policies, which have been stated as being focussed on anything other than domestic food production. In addition, if it is true that we can expect 40% of crops lost to pests, surely we should put some effort into reducing this?