England farmers and conservationists must prepare to “do more with less” as deep budget cuts are anticipated for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), Environment Secretary Steve Reed has announced. While Reed affirmed Labour’s commitment to nature restoration in England, he acknowledged that the upcoming budget would pose significant challenges.
Speaking on the eve of the chancellor’s budget announcement, Reed assured that the government would continue to support its flagship nature-friendly farming program despite the anticipated budget constraints. He noted that the growing focus on sustainable housebuilding could provide critical funds through the biodiversity net gain (BNG) initiative, which mandates a 10% increase in nature or wildlife habitats for new development projects.
“The prime minister and chancellor have made it clear that this will be a challenging budget,” Reed stated. “Everyone will need to do more with less. This approach encourages us to use our resources efficiently and effectively.”
Reports indicate that Defra may face particularly sharp reductions in funding, likely impacting initiatives related to nature and flood protections. Between 2009/10 and 2018/19, Defra’s budget for environmental projects declined by 45% in real terms, highlighting the department’s historic vulnerability to austerity measures.
Reed announced that the government would begin consulting on a comprehensive land use framework to support food security while meeting the target to protect 30% of land and sea by 2030. “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries globally,” Reed said. “Nature is essential—it underpins the budget, the economy, health, food security, and society itself.”
In response to concerns that economic priorities might override environmental goals, Reed reiterated the government’s commitment to the Environment Land Management Scheme (ELMS), a program designed to reward farmers for conservation efforts. He called it “a world-leading scheme” and emphasized its continued importance, with plans to seek additional funding from private sector sources to further its goals.
Reed also confirmed a forthcoming consultation on the land use strategy, aiming to balance competing demands on England’s limited land resources. “We’ll address the need to maintain food security alongside our environmental commitments,” he said. “By clearly outlining our approach within the framework, we improve our chances of meeting objectives, including the ambitious target to protect 30% of our land and seas.”
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