51AVÊÓÆµ

Farmers demand clarity as fears grow that ELM budget could be cut at the next Spending Review

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the farming organisation was seeking urgent clarity from Defra after leaks from Government have revealed that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could make cuts to the nature-friendly farming budget at the Spending Review

Chris Brayford
clock • 7 min read
NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Farming is resilient and innovative but if promises from Government that farmers would be partners in doing environmental good have been reneged on, it will leave farmers prioritising economic returns and balancing tough choices between farming the land as hard as they can just to make a living and continuing to focus on environmental works they have been proud to deliver."
Image:

NFU president Tom Bradshaw: "Farming is resilient and innovative but if promises from Government that farmers would be partners in doing environmental good have been reneged on, it will leave farmers prioritising economic returns and balancing tough choices between farming the land as hard as they can just to make a living and continuing to focus on environmental works they have been proud to deliver."

Farmers have warned cuts to the budget for Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMs) will mean the Government is effectively 'giving up' on its own environmental targets. NFU president Tom Bradshaw...

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 Environment

Government announces deer culling plan in bid to save woodland

Government announces deer culling plan in bid to save woodland

Campaigner and broadcaster Chris Packham backs policy and says sometime 'hard choices' are needed

clock 19 February 2026 • 2 min read
Judicial review to challenge poultry farm expansion

Judicial review to challenge poultry farm expansion

Campaign group River Action accuses Natural Resources Wales of 'washing its hands' of pollution risks

clock 17 February 2026 • 2 min read
Register NOW for our free webinar: Understanding nature markets

Register NOW for our free webinar: Understanding nature markets

The next Farmers Guardian webinar will take place on February 26 at 7pm

Alex Black
clock 11 February 2026 • 1 min read