Devon’s landscapes have many hues of green. Farming and the environment are intertwined. Right now, conversations are happening at farm gates, in pubs, at events and around meeting tables – the subject of which holds the key to securing our future amidst the challenges of climate change. As the urgency mounts, Devon Wildlife Trust and others are advocating for a paradigm shift towards sustainable farming practices that prioritise nature and food security.

At the heart of this conversation lies a recognition of the delicate balance between agricultural production and environmental stewardship. Food security is a hot topic right now as it is threatened by the impacts of climate change as well as being tied up with the destruction of nature. Food production relies on healthy soils, clean water, and resilience to climate change. But pollutants from agriculture are one of the main causes of wildlife decline, as well as the leading cause of river pollution in England. Restoring nature on farms will bring many benefits, not just for wildlife but also for farmers. Working with nature can increase farm profits and resilience, reduce costs, and maintain or even improve yields.

We work with many farmers and land managers across Devon who have gone to great lengths to support wildlife on their land without being adequately rewarded. The real terms value of the national budget for environmental farming has already fallen by a third since 2010. Not investing properly in nature friendly farming means everyone loses. 

Devon Wildlife Trust is asking the next Government to champion a transition towards regenerative, nature-friendly farming methods. But to be successful, the transition must offer tangible benefits to farmers, including heightened profitability, greater resilience to face the impacts of climate change, as well as healthy yields.  Alongside transition it is imperative to maintain a fair balance between protections for people, water, and nature. We are concerned about recent Government references to ‘streamline regulations’ - what does this mean in practice? It appears to be all too easy for protections to be dropped as we have just seen with the recent withdrawal of protections for hedgerows – crucial arteries for wildlife and essential to many Devon farms.

Devon Wildlife Trust has three key asks of the next Government to support farmers to farm with nature:

1. Feed our Nation Without Destroying Nature: We are asking the next Government to increase the budget for wildlife-friendly farming, ensuring a fair transition for farmers, healthier and more affordable food, and creating better habitats for wildlife.

2. Reduce Pesticide Use: We are asking the next Government to halve pesticide use and maintain all bans on bee-killing and human health-harming neonicotinoids, emphasising the critical role of pollinators in sustainable agriculture.

3. Adaptation to Climate Change: We are asking the next Government to embed mitigation into farm payment schemes and provide guidance on farming with nature to increase resilience and help farmers to adapt to the challenges of climate change.

In conclusion, the future of Devon's farming practices lies in fostering a symbiotic relationship between agriculture and the environment. By prioritising nature and food security, embracing sustainable farming methods, and providing adequate support to farmers, we can cultivate a more resilient and flourishing future for Devon's landscapes, communities, and wildlife.