SOMERSET Wildlife Trust want to get the farming transition “back on track” following the launch of a new vision for the future of food and farming.

Food & Farming in a Nature & Climate Crises was launched by The Wildlife Trust in light of the Government’s move to protect England’s nature-friendly farming budget.

The Wildlife Trusts argue that nature-friendly farming must move centre-stage as one of the most cost effective and efficient ways to reach nature recovery and climate targets across Somerset and vast swathes of the country.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “Nature-friendly farming benefits not just wildlife and farm businesses, but also works to reduce flooding risk, tackle climate change, clean up waterways and increase food security

“The entire food system – including politicians, supermarkets, food producers and farmers – must therefore think long term about their support for a nature-positive and climate-resilient farming sector.”

‘The Food & Farming in a Nature & Climate Crisis’ vision shows how to get the farming transition back on track, say the Trust, with huge efforts already underway to harness the power of nature-friendly farming.

According to Somerset Wildlife Trust, action to address the nature and climate crisis across the farmed landscape must include:

Facilitating support structures, guidance, and independent advice for farmers to transition to regenerative & agroecological farm systems;

Utilising both public and private finance, and technology and innovation, to supercharge nature-friendly farming practices and nature-based solutions;

And policies to reform food supply chains, ensuring they reward farmers fairly for the food they produce in harmony with nature.

James Grischeff, Director of Nature Recovery at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: “The protection and recovery of wildlife in England is utterly dependent on land managers who are committed to producing sustainable food and nature-rich areas.

“Commitment to nature’s recovery has been demonstrated by a great many farmers in Somerset through showing good will and grit, but to sustain this effort they need sustainable businesses, supported by the people who benefit the most from their efforts: the public.

“The Government needs to recognise the value of nature to society and the role that farmers and land managers play in the protection and recovery of nature through well-funded, properly targeted schemes with integrated advice and training that recognise how important the countryside is and could be for both nature-friendly farming and land where nature is the primary objective.”

Founded in 1964, Somerset Wildlife Trust - one of 46 Wildlife Trusts working across the UK - is a science-led movement focused on restoring habitats to support a wide range of wildlife and restore natural processes that are essential for healthy landscapes, and provide vital services such as clean air and water, food, carbon absorption and flood alleviation. With the support of volunteers, and their 23,000 plus member base, the Trust manages over 1,700 hectares of land for wildlife and people in Somerset.

Nationally the Wildlife Trusts are calling for at least 30% of land to be managed positively for nature by 2030.