The Future of Farming

The Future of Farming panel at The UK River Summit in May was a lively and thought-provoking session addressing the intersection of agriculture, environmental sustainability, and food production. Moderated by Rob Yorke, the panel fostered dialogue between audience members and five expert speakers, each bringing unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities in farming. Here's a summary of the main points from each speaker and highlights from the discussions:

Speakers' Contributions

1. Alex Adam (The Rivers Trust)

   • He called for better enforcement of existing regulations, noting that many solutions for diffuse pollution (e.g., agricultural runoff) are known but poorly implemented.

   • Alex emphasized rivers as critical indicators of environmental health, suggesting that addressing river pollution is integral to broader ecological solutions.

2. Robin Leech (J M Stratton)

   • Robin facilitates collaboration among farmers in Wiltshire, focusing on environmental impact reduction.

   • He underscored the value of working with farmers rather than blaming them, pointing out that collective farmer groups are instrumental in spreading knowledge and implementing sustainable practices.

   • His vision includes better quantifying and mitigating farming’s impact on water quality through cooperation.

3. Mike Blackmore (Wessex Rivers Trust)

   • A self-described "river restorationist," Mike's journey into river conservation began in his teens.

   • He emphasized the broken state of rivers and the interconnectedness of farming practices with river health.

   • Mike advocated for the restoration of floodplains and a broader focus on integrated catchment management, calling for farmers to lead in these efforts.

4. Henry Clemons (Knight Frank)

   • Drawing on a lifetime in agriculture, Henry described the difficult position of farmers, facing financial pressures, bad press, and regulatory demands.

   • He advocated for collaboration and market-driven solutions that support farmers while addressing sustainability goals.

   • Henry stressed the importance of consumer trends in driving sustainable farming practices, urging mutual understanding between farmers and the public.

5. Ed (Sustainability Advisor at Abel & Cole)

   • Ed shared optimism from witnessing the recovery of chalk streams, such as the Wandle, which were once biologically extinct.

   • He discussed the critical role of collaboration in achieving sustainability goals, urging the creation of wildlife corridors along rivers and the incentivisation of eco-friendly transitions for farmers.

Key Discussion Themes

1. Farmers Under Pressure
   Farmers feel burdened by financial struggles, environmental criticisms, and regulatory challenges. While they want to contribute positively, they need clear, collaborative support to navigate this complex landscape.

2. Collaboration and Farmer Clusters
   Farmer clusters emerged as a promising model for peer-led environmental improvements. These groups foster knowledge exchange and create a grassroots pathway for implementing best practices.

3. Diffuse Pollution and Regulation
   Diffuse pollution (runoff of pesticides, fertilizers, and slurries into rivers) was highlighted as a critical issue. While solutions exist, inadequate enforcement of regulations limits progress.

4. Supermarkets and Supply Chains
   Supermarkets and large corporations were criticized for placing undue pressure on farmers, controlling prices, and sometimes perpetuating unsustainable practices.

5. The Role of Consumers
   Several speakers called for greater consumer responsibility, emphasizing the need for people to support sustainable practices by being willing to pay more for food with lower environmental impact.

6. Land Ownership and River Health
   Land management, including the restoration of floodplains and reduction of agricultural intensification, was emphasized as vital for improving water systems. Collaboration between landowners, farmers, and environmental groups is key.

Final Takeaways from the Panelists

• Alex Adam: Let’s enforce existing regulations and focus on the root causes of diffuse pollution.

• Robin Leech: Farmers are a huge part of the solution—let’s empower them through collaboration and education.

• Mike Blackmore: Restoring floodplains and breaking silos is crucial for saving rivers and farmland alike.

• Henry Clemons: Support sustainable farming through clear policies and fair markets—farmers want to do better.

• Ed Ayton: Build wildlife corridors along rivers and make it easier for farmers to adopt eco-friendly practices.