One Planet News: Cutting nature-friendly farming would be dangerously costly
Funding cuts would be disastrous for nature and for us
By Annette J Beveridge
Nature-friendly farming may be on the chopping block in the Government’s upcoming spending review, which takes place in June.
Slashing this budget would be devastating for wildlife and farmers, but it would also impact everyone. Here’s why:
Water pollution
Water pollution often occurs from pesticides and fertilisers which run off farmland into streams and rivers, This costs a staggering £1.3 billion per year in England and Wales.
Farmers must be encouraged to rely less on harmful chemicals and to focus more on nature-friendly farming methods. This would help keep water sources clean and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Cleaner air
Ammonia is a common ingredient in many fertilisers. While it costs the UK approximately £1.48 billion annually on health, it has a terrible impact on air pollution. Therefore, more sustainable methods should be encouraged to lower health risks. The planting of trees and shrubs on farmland helps to filter pollutants but also boosts air quality. This is worth an estimated £182 million.
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Saving Pollinators
Pollinator populations are plummeting, but they can be saved by planting wildflower margins and reducing the use of harmful pesticides. As there is an approximate £630 million gain to the UK economy as a result of pollination, it also protects the food we eat.
Flood defences
Costs for flooding damages recovery is about £1.3 billion annually. With climate change, it is likely that these sorts of costs could increase. Connecting floodplains and restoring peatlands is therefore, necessity.
By allowing rivers to meander naturally, it can help soak up and slow floodwaters.
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Tackling Climate Change
When farming and nature work as one, it becomes an ally in the fight against climate change. The restoration of woodlands and peatlands also increases natural carbon capture. Restoration of peatlands could increase climate benefits worth £109 billion.
Strengthening Rural Tourism
Nature is a vital part of the UK’s tourism and recreation industries. It contributes approximately £12 billion per year. Much of the land in England is used for farming, but when space is made for wildflowers, birds, insects and mammals and by creating scenic beauty, the appeal of visiting the countryside increases. Tourism and local businesses benefit as a result.
Public Health
Most people instinctively head to the countryside or a local park when wanting to ‘chill out’ to boost both mental and physical wellbeing. Outdoor activities are valued at between £6.2 and £8.4 billion annually in health benefits. When farmers support biodiversity and provide accessible areas, it keeps us all healthy.
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Nature-friendly Farming is essential
Once biodiversity in the UK is restored with all farmers working with nature in mind, it will benefit food production, economic resilience, but also improve wellbeing. As approximately 70% of the land throughout the UK is dedicated to farming, nature must be an integral part of the way the land is managed.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves MUST safeguard funding for nature-friendly farming in the Spending Review on Wednesday, June 11. By backing farmers and urging them to do the right thing, it protects our landscapes, but also invests in a much healthier, greener future for everyone. If the Government is genuine about protecting the UK, people and nature, this is how to do it.