Organic farming budget freeze ‘will hurt nature and wildlife work’

Elliot Chapman-Jones, head of public affairs at the Trusts, said: “Finally, there is a monumental gap between current funding and what is needed to reverse wildlife decline, clean up rivers and significantly reduce chemical use in farms”.

Tom Lancaster, land, food and agriculture analyst at the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit think tank, said all the budget did was “maintain the status quo, just about keeping the emission on the road for now”.

Country Land and Business Association (CLA) president Victoria Vyvyan said the decision to freeze the budget at the same level would affect hard-pressed farmers.

She added: “It could affect sustainable food production and undermine improved wildlife habitats, flood management and access to nature.”

The government said the £2.4bn farming budget for England in 2025/26 would still be “the biggest budget ever to go towards sustainable food production and restoring nature”.

Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner said: “Our commitment to farmers and the vital role they play in feeding our nation remains steadfast.

“That’s why this government will commit to the largest ever budget towards sustainable food production and nature restoration in our country’s history, enabling us to maintain momentum on the path to a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.”