The scene so far

Farmers and landowners have faced a great deal of change since the general election. Across the UK, the devolved nations’ transition through a post-Brexit landscape is occurring in different ways. This increases complexity, as each has different timelines and strategies. 

Scotland is on its fourth iteration of the Land Use Strategy, while England is currently waiting for its first Land Use Framework, which is now expected early in 2026. Although a National Food Strategy has been published which focuses on outcomes and policies for England, we are still waiting for more detail to understand the implications for food production. In Scotland, the Good Food Nation Plan is being updated and expected late 2025.

Uncertainty is making it hard to plan

Until these strategies come to fruition, it’s difficult for farmers to plan ahead. We need a consolidated, aligned effort across government and industries to get a clear vision going forward, with transparency on what’s expected from the farming sector. 

One of the challenges is the stop-start nature of some of the schemes, which we’ve seen with the SFI, plus a lack of clarity on what will replace them. An accelerated reduction in Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) cuts in England also adds to the uncertainty which, coming after a very difficult year of weather, means farmers face challenges on profitability and sustainability.

Changes to the BPS in Scotland will be phased in from 2027, but some step changes have already been made. From May 2025, for example, to receive their BPS payment, every farmer and crofter must demonstrate that they have at least two plans and audits from a list that includes a carbon audit, biodiversity audit, soil analysis, animal health and welfare, and integrated pest management.

The need for a farming framework

It’s easy to say that farmers and landowners shouldn’t wait for government, that the sector should plough on, but a framework of requirements is needed to ensure investment and resources are aligned for the future. Competition for land use is fierce – with demand from food production and nature restoration, through to new and improved infrastructure. All are important and somehow these must be integrated and a balance struck.

We still await the 25-year farming roadmap which will be an opportunity to provide clarity on what farming in the future looks like – what it means to different people, and how the acceleration in infrastructure investment and environmental protection integrates with food production and land use.

We also look forward to the government’s response to Baroness Batter’s farm profitability review – hopefully her findings will be heeded as part of future strategy.

All eyes are on how agricultural policy and reform take shape next year.

Further information

Contact Kelly Hewson-Fisher