Sustainable farming still makes good business sense
The following letter to editor was published in the Farmers Guardian, October 28, 2022 in response to online articles and news about the Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMs) review.
By Anna Woodley, Director of Business Development, Trinity AgTech
The recent news about ELMs has already sparked debate and concern across the farming industry.
We have always been clear that farmers want to deliver sustainable food production, and as such they require the natural capital and the economic incentives. Moreover, that they are best placed as the custodians of their land and the means of production to drive the complementary objectives of farm productivity and environmental gains.
At the heart of ELMs is the ambition to support the rural economy, achieve the goals of the 25 Year Environment Plan, and deliver net zero emissions by 2050. This is something we have always supported, with navigating natural capital being at the centre.
However, although the current review has understandably led to uncertainty and unease within the industry, the issues of production and sustainability remain the same for farmers and other key stakeholders, and hence our focus remains unchanged.
We know natural capital has inherent value, and drives farm business resilience, and we all need to support farmers to navigate and profit from their decisions and environmental practices, separate from the ever-changing moods of government.
Our data shows us there is a direct tangible business case for prioritising sustainability and natural capital, and that farmers needn’t wait for policy directives to take control of their own natural capital.
A number of practices implemented on-farm to improve costs and reduce inputs have a direct impact on a farm’s sustainability credentials, and vice versa. Just look at moving to min till from ploughing; farmers can reduce fuel use, increase yields, improve soil quality, biodiversity and reduce carbon loss. Ultimately, improving natural capital metrics has a positive impact on profitability and the bottom line.
Furthermore, there is a comprehensive, smart tool available now to support farmers in their decision making and provide credible analytics for their farm.
Although I fear this review may lead to further delays in getting a post-Common Agricultural Policy framework over the line, our main concern is farmers having clarity about what the future looks like.
In this age of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that farmers understand the true credible value that natural capital, soil carbon, biodiversity, and water quality can offer them.