Over 19,000 British farms have completed environmental improvements in the last five years, according to the Environment Agency's (EA's) inaugural report for agriculture.

In the report, the EA presented an overview of the farming sector's environmental performance since April 2021, with over 19,000 on-farm inspections being conducted across the five years.

The EA outlined that its inspections engage with farmers through advice, incentives, and enforcement where necessary, in order to improve their farm's compliance with a wide range of regulations.

Over the last five years, rates of non-compliance have reportedly remained steady at an average of 48%.

However, from April 2025 to April 2026, the EA recorded a 5% decrease in non-compliant farms, indicating "signs of improvement" when compared to the five-year average.

The agency added that the report highlights that the majority of  farmers "take protecting the environment very seriously", with completed actions "ranging from fixing a small piece of guttering to the complete replacement of a slurry store".

EA

Speaking on the report, the EA's chief regulator, Dr. Jo Nettleton recognised that the farming sector "has a significant and increasing impact" on the UK's water environment.  

She said: "Our approach is clear - we will work constructively with those who want to do the right thing, using advice and guidance as our primary tools. 

"Where this does not happen, we are increasing our regulatory presence and moving through the sanctions available to us to take strong enforcement action.

The EA outlined that the number of its farm inspections will be increasing from 4,000 to 6,000 annually over the next three years.

The agency also announced that it will be publishing its report for agriculture on an annual basis going forward.