Biodiversity with the new agricultural policy after Brexit – Natursidan –

The EU's enormous agricultural support subsidizes landowners based on how large an acreage they have, which has led to farms becoming larger and larger and more industrialized within the Union. This has benefited biodiversity, as it has been established that hundreds of EU billions are subsidized for activities that harm nature. A previous study showed a sharp decline in farm poultry in the Czech Republic after joining the EU.

A system with increased compensation for the benefit of nature

When the UK left the EU, a new system for agriculture (Environmental Land Management (ELM)) was introduced, where support was given to improve and restore nature. A system generally well-received by nature organizations such as birding societies RSPB And Rewilding BritainThey believe the support should have gone further and been for a more massive change.

After decades of increasingly declining wildlife due to intensive agriculture and extensive chemical use, a change occurred. For example, there has been a shift, with the support of protecting hedgehogs, allowing peatland to remain, organic fruit growing and farmland benefiting bird species.

It shows the new Nature England reportAn organization that advises the government on biodiversity.

“Politicians must be honest”

Where new methods have been introduced under farmer support system, the number of moths, butterflies and bats has increased. Insectivorous birds also benefited, but no clear effects were seen for bees and flower flies over the four years the study was conducted.

The report also highlighted that food production could not be maintained at the same level under any circumstances leading to a sharp reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

– On the other hand, there is evidence that measures such as reducing food waste and using arable land to grow edible crops rather than raising livestock could help mitigate the decline in food production and help the UK meet its climate targets. Sooner or later, if these important goals are to be achieved, politicians will have to be honest with the public about the changes that are coming, including a complete reduction in dairy and meat consumption. The Guardian in an editorial.

“Profits for Farmers, Nature and Climate”

Professor Alastair Driver, Director Rewilding BritainA continuation of the ELM would be a win for farmers, nature and the climate, he says.

Millions of people — including many farmers and landowners who want meaningful action against the natural and climate crisis — will breathe a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the government is heeding the pleas of many people who know that food production and nature restoration go hand in hand and that rewilding offers nature-based economic opportunities. If ministers get the funding right now and give it concerted political backing, the ELM will become the UK's most important environmental policy for a generation. If ministers get the right funding now and give it concerted political backing, the ELM will become the UK's most important environmental policy for a generation.

Currently, green farming subsidies are £2.4 billion a year. It is not yet clear how the new Labor government will shape its agricultural policy.

Sources: Natural England And The Guardian