91²Ö¿â

Share your views on our news stories

See how our members are leading the way for environmentally-friendly farming.

We want to know what you think. Leave a comment at the end of any of our latest updates.

Latest updates

Winter slurry storage – EA urges farmers to get ‘winter ready’

ELMs capital grants – essential information

Capital Grants scheme fully allocated – NFU calls for continued transparency

Improving Farm Productivity grant – round 2

Scarecrows celebrate farming and educate the public

NFU brings together key players to address water pressures

A new approach to flood funding – NFU responds

The case for climate adaptation

Biodiversity net gain and the planning system

Waste crime going under the radar, new survey finds

Reset of water use and management planned following new report

Hedgerow management – your top questions answered

Strategic management of water in England and Wales – report published

Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier – scheme guidance and information

Hedgerow management rules: what you need to know

Dry weather information and advice

NFU helps to secure water access for dozens of farmers

Bees’ Needs Week – showcasing the importance of pollinators

Big Farmland Bird Count results highlight importance of SFI

‘Good Food Cycle’ welcomed but joined-up policy needed to deliver it

National Drought Group – latest news

NFU calls for action to minimise wildfire risk as temperatures soar

NFU asks taken forward in government report on solar

Emergency authorisation granted for beet moth control in 2025

SFI – scheme guidance and information

Supply chain unites to chart new era of sustainable dairy

UK back on course to meet zero emissions targets say climate experts

Renewed SFI expected soon as NFU urges scheme must work for all

MPs see farming work in action in Suffolk

Defra reopens capital grants for England

Everything you need to know about ELMs

Animal health and welfare review and endemic disease follow-up

Changes to waste exemptions – charges come into force

Charges for waste exemptions marks ‘significant change’ for farmers

EA to double the number of farm inspections

EA encourages farmers to conserve water following dry spring

National security strategy fails to recognise full threat to food security

Food security must be recognised in government's national security strategy

Hertfordshire farmer facing £40,000 bill to clear fly-tipping

Spending Review: Defra publishes detail behind its budget

AHDB survey reveals partial wheat rebound amid mixed crops outlook

Solar car parks and electric vehicle charging – call for evidence

Farming organisations call for stability and certainty as G7 leaders gather

Local Nature Recovery Strategies – what are they and why are they important?

Can environmental markets fill a farming financial black hole?

Impact of cuts to agricultural budget would be ‘monumental’

NFU, RSPB and supermarkets send joint warning to the Chancellor

The Spending Review – a timeline of NFU campaigning

Farm incomes patchy as poor year for crops offset by livestock boost

Floodplain restoration scheme is bearing fruit

Fund to help farmers manage their water resources – apply now

Farm business and support schemes summer checklist

Government to fast-track reservoirs in the Fens and Lincolnshire

How a passion for peat restoration turned into a business

NFU strongly disagrees with Environment Agency increased charges proposals

Tough choices ahead if reports of cuts to ELMs budget are true

Key information for agri-environment scheme agreement holders

Uplift for HLS payment rates provides some certainty but still falls short

Proposals to ban heather burning undermine upland farmers' work

Accurate baseline data ‘essential’ for new peatland map

Extending ban on burning heather and grass on deep peat not justified

Government urged to invest in resilient farming as dry weather bites

SFI scheme reopens to 1000s of applicants after legal threats from NFU members

NFU President gives evidence on Land Use Framework

Defra announces crackdown on waste criminals but joined-up approach still needed

Climate experts' flooding warning highlights need for investment plan

Key legislation for organic farmers to watch out for

NFU response to Land Use Framework warns food production cannot be overlooked

Land Use Framework consultation – read the NFU's response

Environmental permit reform – have your say

Tree planting information for farmers

Organic dairy farmers 'optimistic' about the sector

How could the Land Use Framework affect upland farmers?

Showcasing the environmental benefits of SFI

Digging deep for water in the Broads

Shaping the future of SFI – have your say

NFU and RPA answer your questions

Sugar beet and soil – all you need to know

How AD plants can transform farm businesses

UK 'missing a big opportunity' in anaerobic digesters

Showcasing sustainability to the NFU’s Food and Farming Fellowship MPs

Historic and archaeological features in SFI and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier

UK pesticides NAP – diving into the detail

Green finance – building business resilience

NFU welcomes funding boost for internal drainage boards

Land availability an ‘existential threat’ for horticulture and potatoes sector

Applying Urea after 1 April – understanding Option 4

Energy performance of privately rented homes – changes to EPCs

SFI closure – the detail beyond the announcement

EA updates to flood and coastal erosion risk data

Farming and environmental leaders warn against cuts to farming budget

Action plan for pesticides not aligned with SFI closures

Climate Change Committee brings together agriculture experts

Water quality – essential information

Banking experts weigh in on impact of Defra’s SFI closure

Why the Land Use Framework is so important for farming

SFI closure raises wider questions around budget transparency

SFI closure – farming roundtable challenges Food Security Minister

Farming in Protected Landscapes funding options: find out more

Government publishes flagship planning and compulsory purchase reforms

Nitrogen management in agriculture – NFU gives evidence

Defra delivers ‘another shattering blow’ – sudden closure of SFI applications

New report encourages contingency planning on climate impacts

NFU event highlights water challenges and opportunities

Species reintroduction – information and support

Eurasian beavers – government approach, management, licensing, and support

Wild release of beavers permitted without agreed long-term management plan

Farmers and growers ‘vital’ for net zero, but a different pathway is needed

Defra stats reveal fly-tipping cases on the rise

NFU25: Defra Secretary's announcements explained

NFU and NGOs call for urgent action on fairness for HLS agreement holders

Prioritising flood defence spending – NFU gives evidence

Management of hedgerows – government publishes response

Future use of Creosote – expiry date postponed

Simpler recycling – what businesses need to know

How SFI can help improve water quality on farm

How The Felix Project is combating food waste

UK food security in ‘precarious state’, warns National Preparedness Commission

Land use framework must have British food at its heart, says NFU

VI appoints East Fife mixed farmer as its new chair

Planning underway to address water pressures

Slurry management in wet conditions – what are my options?

Reducing phosphate levels in the River Stour

MPs question Defra officials on future of ELMs

Agroforestry – integrating trees into a farming system

Climate-friendly farming, building your business resilience

Many farms won’t make it to ‘new deal for farmers’, says NFU

Lincolnshire farmers help save people trapped in flooded homes

What farmers need from the upcoming Land Use Framework

New ammonia emission factors for pig and poultry sectors

£15m fund for charities redistributing food surplus from farms

Adverse weather, water and flooding toolbox

Key reminders for SFI applicants

Warnings in food security report as food chain vulnerabilities revealed

New legislation, measures, and guidance for Protected Landscapes

Crops sector resilience plan highlighted at conference

HoL reports on cutting methane emissions – NFU analysis

NFU responds to review of key water quality guidance

Funding help for farmers affected by fly tipping in Hertfordshire

Greening the electricity system – the government’s low carbon power plans

Top 4 things we learned from COP29

House of Lords says UK must 'keep up momentum' on cutting methane emissions

NFU warns of potential for limited uptake on new CSHT offer

The School of Sustainable Food & Farming: nurturing sustainable success

‘More work to be done on SFI and not much time’

Government must avoid funding gap for farmers and the environment

Sector resilience plans refreshed ahead of 2025

‘Sudden’ closure of many capital grant applications creates confusion and frustration

Methane reducing feed products – the story so far

COP29 – Finance deal eventually struck after two all-nighters

Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier unlikely to open until mid-2025

Partnerships key to tackling water challenges, says NFU

TIAH launches online nutrient management course

Flood recovery funding – essential information

Long-awaited Farming Recovery Fund payments will start to land

NVZ grassland derogation application 2025

Support available for trees affected by pests and diseases

COP29 must lead to investment in farming

Defra confirms plans for protecting 30% of land in England by 2030

Updated prospects for irrigation – EA seeks feedback

Climate Change Committee advises on UK's 2035 NDC target level

New AgDiversity course promotes inclusivity in agriculture

Abstraction in the east of England – latest news

Water resourcing – see how the NFU works for you

Future changes to abstraction licences – what you need to know

What is the Water for Food group and how can it help you?

NFU discusses water pollution at Westminster Forum

What did we learn during our SFI webinar with Defra?

What progress has the government made on tree policy?

Irrigation prospects 2024

NFU debates transition to net zero at The Times Earth Summit

Building business resilience with solar battery storage

Peers call on government to roll out enhanced Farming Recovery Fund

Solent CO2 pipeline project axed

Are you ready for winter floods?

Identifying support for combatting climate impacts

Countryside COP4 – Putting rural sustainability on the map

Investment needed for net zero transition – Livestock Board vice chair

New waste packaging guidelines – what you need to know

Get ready for mandatory N&P reporting from January 2025

Nitrogen and phosphorus emissions reporting on permitted farms

Slurry Infrastructure grant – round 2

How do you think the media should cover environmental issues?

Farming unions of the G7 nations deliver joint statement on food security

How can HLS agreement holders be supported?

EA's call for winter readiness – are you prepared?

Reform of waste registration: feedback on agricultural waste practices

Have your say on green belt regulations and planning

Your shout: The budget is under threat – why should farming be a priority?

NFU hits back against claim pesticide use is contributing to butterfly decline

NFU joins forces with EA in new flooding partnership

Making the most of the SFI arable actions

AHDB's nutrient management guide review – NFU response

NVZ closed periods – key dates and guidance

OEP report calls for more investment to protect our rivers

Dairy Roadmap reiterates UK dairy sector environmental targets

NFU meets with government officials as part of new flooding taskforce

Soil health – essential information

Defra underspend is ‘kick in the teeth’ for farmers and growers, says NFU

NFU responds to Ofwat’s consultation on draft water company plans

Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund closes

NFU Livestock Board chair responds to Guardian editorial's ‘view on meat’

Uplands on the agenda as NFU hosts Food Security Minister

Improving water quality – 6 things to do on farm

The SFI and grazed livestock – what you need to know

‘Crucial questions’ remain over methane suppressing supplements

Bracken management in a post-Asulox world

Understanding the hedgerow management buffer strip rules

Bronze Otter award goes to Dartmoor farm

EA consults on quality protocols for compost and anaerobic digestate

New reservoir plans for Fens and Lincolnshire

NFU welcomes Defra changes to the SFI 2024 after lobbying

Using repurposed artificial turf on cattle tracks – what you need to know

Defra launches 'rapid review' of environmental targets

GB Energy and Crown Estate partnership set to boost offshore wind energy investment

Farmers unite to protect some of Britain’s most vital wildlife sites

NFU Environment Forum chair addresses water pollution at key events

Stay legal with your flood protection and alleviation works

Dorset farmers commitment to food production and environment

New report supports NFU view on changes needed to ELMs

SFI – choosing the right options

Hedgerow exemptions – planting oilseed rape and temporary grass

Bonn Climate Conference – what were the key takeaways?

Slurry Infrastructure grant – round 1

‘The uplands must have access to viable SFI options’

Biodiversity Net Gain – your top 9 questions answered

Ragwort: Advice on control and disposal

Everything you need to know about the Landscape Recovery scheme

Channel 4 highlights shocking impact of waste crime following NFU survey

Environmental markets – essential information

NFU survey results show keen interest for greenhouse gas audits

Plans to hike application costs for sheep dip permits scrapped

NFU responds to Calderdale Council plans to serve plant based food at events

NFU joins research partners to help UK farmers increase carbon capture

NFU secures greater support from Farming Recovery Fund

NFU secures practical solution to hedgerow management

EA publishes response on charge proposals for water discharges

The future of hedgerow protections – government publishes response

NFU welcomes £1m fund to help more councils combat fly-tipping

Asian hornets – farmers asked to stay vigilant

New pilot to establish GHG baselines is a ‘positive step’, says NFU

Defra publishes details of ‘expanded’ SFI offer

Wet weather – temporary adjustments to agri-environment schemes

Making renewable energy work on your farm

Farming Recovery Fund – NFU raises concerns with Defra

Minister responds to nitrate tool concerns

What do the new environmental targets mean for farming?

NFU Dairy Board chair responds to Guardian article on water quality

Hydrogen-powered tractors on public roads

NFU submits response to government's Call for Evidence on the future of biomethane

Defra consults on how funding for internal drainage boards is calculated

River Wye Action Plan – NFU initial analysis and response

Contract obligations and wet weather

Farming Recovery Fund – Defra lifts 150m eligibility rule

NFU welcomes Defra backing for Dartmoor land use group

Poultry environmental permitting changes for 2024

NFU secures changes to hemp licensing rules

Expansions to permitted development rights – NFU response

Fly-tipping fines to be reinvested into local communities

Share your fly-tipping incident

Ringfencing fly-tipping fines for community benefit

EA chief and minister hear farmers’ flood concerns

Government response to soils report needs clarity, says committee chair

Counting the cost of flooding

NFU responds to Call for Evidence on using non-road mobile machinery on farm

Addressing the complexities and challenges of soil management

Six SFI actions to be capped to 25% of land

Forest for the Nation competition applications closed

Woodland planting payments for farmers set to increase

Food waste and surplus – how the NFU can support you

AHDB survey results predict drastic reduction in crops due to wet weather

NFU President holds talks with Minister and Devon farmers over Dartmoor

Defra launches consultation on how funding for internal drainage boards is calculated

Lib Dems join NFU’s call for proactive plan for flood defences

Abstracting floodwater outside of licence conditions during flood events

Government announces £7 million for water for peat pilots

Our Environment Forum chair picks 5 conference highlights

NFU Conference: PM’s announcements explained

Regional award for Essex farmer

The farm technologies of the future

Government sets out plans for a ‘Protected Landscapes framework’

Westminster Forum highlights priorities for enhancing flood resilience

COP28 – ‘Some steps back and some steps forward’

Help us highlight the impact of flooding

New website launched for the Reservoir Safety Reform Programme

NFU writes to The Guardian on species reintroduction

What's in the Wylye?

Minister meets with flood-hit farmers in East Yorkshire

Industrial Energy Transformation Fund – what you need to know

The importance of supply chain collaboration during extreme weather events

Can GHG calculators be in more harmony?

New report highlights deteriorating flood defences

5 key takeaways from the Oxford Farming Conference

Advice for members affected by flooding

Community spirit bears fruit on Cambridgeshire farm

NFU complains to regulator Ofcom over Channel 4's ‘The Big British Beef Battle’

Growing demand for food distribution scheme

Developing farmland flood resistance

Government abolishes council DIY waste charges

Farmers unite to protect vital wildlife site

NFU meets Treasury to discuss proposed new carbon levy

COP28 – the future lies in a low-carbon global economy

Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund – essential information

NFU urges EA Chief Executive to help protect farmland against flooding

Creating wildlife ponds for great crested newts

The Oxford Food Hub – working with farmers and reducing food waste

Food security is a ‘public good’ and should be an ‘explicit goal’ of ELMs

Dartmoor independent review: NFU South response

Farming for food and the environment in Essex

COP28 – will the spirit of compromise prevail?

How ‘regenerative’ farming is helping the environment

NFU submits complaint following Channel 4's ‘The Big British Beef Battle’

Government announces new package of measures for nature

COP28 – 134 nations back food and agriculture declaration

What to do if you are a victim of fly-tipping

COP28 – ‘rethink, reboot, and refocus’

NFU President addresses sugar industry at ISO conference

ELMs leaves upland famers worse off, NFU research shows

Government responds to Landscape Review proposals

Applications open for slurry storage funding

Addressing water quality challenges in agriculture

Meeting the goals of the Environmental Improvement Plan

Flooding in sugar beet crops – what you need to know

Species reintroduction ‘not a priority’ at this time, says Defra

Planning ahead for solar

Defra commits to use of methane suppressing feed in England

Methane suppressing feed products – Defra commits to introduction

Farming better together – farmer clusters

Species reintroduction inquiry – government publishes response

NFU Deputy President meets Midlands farmers and sees storm hit businesses

Suffolk farmers save schoolchildren stranded in Storm Babet

NFU renews call for water management strategy following ‘devastating flooding’

Management of Dartmoor needs ‘fundamental change’

Prioritising climate adaptation and resilience in UK agriculture

Everything you need to know about GWP* methane accounting

Planning for urea use and Farming Rules for Water in the year ahead

Funded advice on forestry for farmers

Counting the cost of countryside fly tipping

NFU responds to The State of Nature Report 2023

New funding opportunity for natural flood management projects

Prioritising business resilience helps tackle greenhouse gases

The journey to becoming a self-sufficient business

Garden waste and fly-tipping – what does the law say?

Where we stand on food waste

The Bread and Butter Thing – connecting farmers to communities

London-based charity stops good food from going to waste

Working with nation-wide redistribution charity FareShare

'Do the right thing' over farm payment delays, NFU tells ministers

Slow and steady wins the race for Jeremy

Nutrient neutrality – how it affects planning applications

Delay to SFI launch ‘totally unacceptable’

‘NVZ derogations are not pollution permits’, NFU writes to the The Times

Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil storage – what are the rules?

Environmental markets – are they right for you?

Peat – setting the record straight

‘Defra has to get this right’ – SFI23 offer revealed

Environmental Outcomes Report consultation – NFU response

Growing help for food charities

The Company Shop – helping the fight against food waste

Ash dieback – what you need to know

Fly-tipping – how you can get your local council involved

Reintroducing Beavers – Sharing the challenges and opportunities

Cut costs and protect the environment with a slurry store cover

Future water needs – working with Water Resources regional groups

Drainage rates set to rise across the country

New Defra plan offers additional water investment for farmers

Defra consults on Local Nature Recovery Strategies

Keeping our rivers flowing summit

Option 4: Using urea based fertilisers after 1 April 2024

NFU Environment chair addresses Westminster Forum on biodiversity

Reducing food waste and feeding the community

The Peak Farmers group – run by farmers, for farmers

Defra consults on waste crime and waste exemptions

FiPL programme funds thriving community hub

Flooding – help make farming’s voice heard

Tackling commonly littered and problematic plastic items

We respond to Defra consultation on environmental targets

MPs launch inquiry into soil health – have your say

Landspreading waste checklist

Abstraction licences – new legal powers to look out for on your licence review

Lindsay Hargreaves addresses Westminster Forum on national water resources management

Deer management strategy – Defra consultation and NFU response

Rob Harrison: the transition to organic farming

Biological waste treatment – EA publishes guidance

Water restrictions, abstraction licences and mains supplies

Insights from the World Congress of Soil Science

Caring for ancient and veteran trees

Government appoints Alan Lovell new Environment Agency chair

Beavers given legal protection without clear management plan

New email alert service for water abstractors

91²Ö¿âvision for good soil health

Find out how 3 farmers improved their soil health

Improving soil health – 8 things you can do on your farm

Improving soil organic matter and water holding capacity

Vice President David Exwood addresses Westminster Forum

Greenhouse gas calculators – where to start?

Flooding and coastal erosion – EA sets out roadmap to 2026

Water quality in rivers: government responds to new report

25 Year Environment Plan – what progress has been made?

NFU Environment chair addresses Westminster forum

Adapting agriculture for today’s climate challenges

EA revises standard rules permits for AD and compost

NFU Environment Forum chair on flood risk

The Environment Act: our work and what happens next

Net zero: NFU Farm Status Indicator

Net zero – Make your pledge

Drax and NFU team up to boost UK energy crop market

New alliance launches Countryside COP

Greater certainty and greater urgency on climate change

How mob grazing can help improve wildlife habitats

Farmers forging ahead with FiPL funded projects

Arable farming: urea consultation

Climate Change Committee charts the path to net zero

Farmers urged to check waste processes or face enforcement action

NFU contributes to Defra report on surface water flooding

NFU Poultry Board vice chair tests carbon calculators

Carbon calculators – arable farming and net zero

NFU livestock board chair tests carbon calculators

BeeConnected – balancing food production and environmental stewardship

Weather volatility threatens British food production – NFU survey