Charlotte Hubbard - Commons and Land Management Advisor for H&H Land & Estates
DEFRA’s recent Land Use Consultation has raised significant concerns for farmers and landowners across England. While the government aims to develop a strategic approach to balancing competing demands on land, the proposed framework presents real challenges for those managing agricultural businesses.
The consultation outlines plans to allocate nearly 10% of England’s farmland for low-carbon uses, such as woodland or heath, by 2050. A further 9% would require changes for sustainable farming practices. While environmental goals are crucial, these proposals could have far-reaching implications for food security and rural economies. Farmers already operate in a complex landscape of regulations, fluctuating markets, and rising input costs – further land use pressures risk making their position even more precarious.
One of the major issues with the proposed framework is that it frames land use change as a competitive decision for landowners. The assumption appears to be that alternative land uses – such as rewilding or carbon sequestration – should be financially attractive compared to food production. However, this ignores a fundamental issue: the existing agri-food system is not designed to generate sufficient profit for farmers. Many are already struggling to achieve economic viability, and the framework risks pushing them towards land abandonment rather than sustainable diversification.
If the government wants landowners to adopt different land management approaches, the economic incentives need to be designed as a win-win rather than a least-worst option. Shifting to alternative land uses should not be a decision forced by the lack of profitability in food production, but rather a genuinely viable choice supported by fair pricing structures. At present, many farm businesses simply do not have the financial flexibility to take on long-term land use change without risking their livelihoods.
Another concern is the emphasis on spatial planning to determine optimal land use decisions. While this could be useful in principle, it risks creating a top-down approach that does not take local knowledge into account. Farmers and landowners are best placed to understand the capabilities of their own land, and any framework must actively involve them in decision-making rather than imposing rigid classifications. A collaborative approach that respects the realities of modern farming is essential if the framework is to succeed.
The government’s non-prescriptive approach—providing guidance rather than strict rules—may seem appealing, but it could leave farmers without the necessary clarity and support. Many will be unsure of how to navigate the competing demands placed on their land, and without comprehensive advice and financial backing, they may struggle to make informed decisions. DEFRA must ensure that farmers receive practical assistance, including clear policy direction and access to funding that genuinely supports sustainable land management.
Ultimately, the success of the Land Use Framework will depend on whether it delivers real economic opportunities for rural businesses. The UK’s food security, rural employment, and environmental goals must be balanced carefully, ensuring that land use changes benefit both the countryside and those who work it. Farmers need policies that support them, not ones that leave them at a disadvantage.
For advice on land management and how policy changes may affect your business, contact H&H Land & Estates Northallerton office on 01609 710377 or email [email protected].