51AVÊÓÆµ

EXCLUSIVE - Martin Lines: "We cannot keep demanding more food at lower prices and then acting surprised when pollution increases"

The Nature Friendly Farming Network chief executive has written on the need to improve water quality in agriculture and why a food system which values environmental outcomes as much as yield is vitally important moving forward

clock • 4 min read
Martin Lines, arable farmer and chief executive at the Nature Friendly Farming Network, said: "All too frequently, small family farms are expected to shoulder the burden while large, powerful businesses carry on unchecked. We need joined-up action, bringing together water companies, housing developers, and the entire food supply chain."
Image:

Martin Lines, arable farmer and chief executive at the Nature Friendly Farming Network, said: "All too frequently, small family farms are expected to shoulder the burden while large, powerful businesses carry on unchecked. We need joined-up action, bringing together water companies, housing developers, and the entire food supply chain."

Water is essential for farming, communities and nature. However, we can no longer ignore the scale of pollution in our rivers, lakes and seas, or the significant contribution that farming makes...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Letter: As the High Court Hearing on the proposed changes to IHT approaches, the lead claimant says "the story must be what happens inside the courtroom"

Letter: As the High Court Hearing on the proposed changes to IHT approaches, the lead claimant says "the story must be what happens inside the courtroom"

Tom Martin, the lead claimant, has asked that those arriving in London to support the hearing do not bring tractors, horns or inflammatory banners

Tom Martin
clock 07 March 2026 • 1 min read
Labour restores whip to family farm tax rebel

Labour restores whip to family farm tax rebel

Should Penrith and Solway MP Markus Campbell-Savours have had the whip removed in the first place?

Chris Brayford
clock 06 March 2026 • 2 min read
From the editor: A corner turned but storm clouds could still gather

From the editor: A corner turned but storm clouds could still gather

This week from Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
clock 05 March 2026 • 2 min read