A survey, which was carried out jointly by the Country Land & Business Association (CLA) and Strutt & Parker, found that farmers were more interested improving soil quality and increasing biodiversity than signing up to farming schemes.
The ‘Future of Farming’ survey found that most farmers are enthusiastic about delivering public goods but remain cautious about schemes like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and landscape recovery schemes.
The survey was answered by 198 landowners and managers in England online during June and July 2022 to get an insight into how people feel about the new schemes.
Concerns have been voiced about the slow uptake of schemes like the SFI, but the survey found farmers are much more open to taking steps to improve their environmental management and enhance nature than is sometimes portrayed.
The number of respondents who have carried out a carbon audit during the past three years was relatively low (23%), but 56% are already making plans to reduce the carbon footprint of their farming business.
Although the survey showed that only 40% of the respondents confirmed they have or were planning to enter the SFI within the next three years, nearly two-thirds have or intend to sign up to the Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
When asked how likely or unlikely they would be to deliver a series of public goods with appropriate schemes and payments in place, 88% said they would be likely or very likely to take action to protect or improve soil quality.
82% said they would be likely or very likely to manage land to increase biodiversity – two elements of the existing SFI.
CLA president, Mark Tufnell, said: “This survey has provided useful insights into farmer and land manager attitudes to the environment and signals that while many farmers and land managers are focused on food production, they are still keen to take steps to protect and enhance the environment given the right policies and payments.
“The 40% intention to enter into SFI is encouraging. When asked why they had not entered SFI in 2022, the responses pointed to concerns about payment rates, but more frequently it was about waiting for more standards to become available or waiting to see if it would be a success.
“Only 2% said they were just not interested. These findings support the CLA’s call to Defra to fast-track the launch of new SFI standards and provide early clarity on payment rates so that farmers and land managers make informed decisions about the scheme.
“Similarly, it is encouraging to see the level of interest in Countryside Stewardship. Defra should capitalise on this and ensure that the scheme remains available until the replacement Local Nature Recovery Scheme is ready for full launch.”
