CAAV calls for one-off Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme
The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) is urging the Government to introduce a one-off Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme to help arable farmers maintain soil condition and productive capacity amid ongoing market and supply-chain disruption.
CAAV says higher fertiliser and fuel costs have squeezed margins, while commodity prices such as wheat have not increased in step. The group notes that arable farming has faced several difficult years, with the sector recording its worst cash performance since at least 2004/05. “This may make it rational for some farmers not to plant crops this autumn for harvest in 2027 – leaving the land fallow instead,” says Jeremy Moody, Secretary and Adviser to CAAV, in proposing an alternative approach to Defra.
CAAV points to reports of reduced cropping in the southern hemisphere. A survey by AUSVEG in Australia, for example, found that 27% of growers had reduced or stopped planting due to uncertainty, 53% had less than three weeks of diesel on hand, and fuel was 74% more expensive. The survey also reported that 19% had decided not to harvest some existing crops because of higher production and haulage costs.
Under CAAV’s proposed Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme, growers would establish a mixed legume green manure after harvest. This could be used as a cover crop to protect soils, improve structure and build fertility, offering an alternative to leaving land fallow. “The green manure could be used under the current challenging geopolitical circumstances, signalling a culture of soil improvement for both resilience and productivity, as well as preparation for more extreme weather conditions,” says Mr Moody.
The mix could include vetch and clover, alongside other species. “While farmers might decide to leave land fallow, a one-off scheme to establish a mixed legume green manure after harvest could provide a positive purpose for improvement and a single, simple signal of direction with lasting benefits,” he adds.
Mr Moody argues the option should be offered to all farmers in June, alongside or within the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), so it can be factored into autumn planning. “It’s a response to concerns over the condition of many of our soils and a positive preparation for the crops to be sown in autumn 2027,” he says. “Leaving it to the September SFI window would be too late for greatest effectiveness given the planning requirements of arable farming.”
CAAV says the scheme should be simple to administer, with payments set at a level that gives farmers confidence establishment costs will be covered. “This is one area where the Government can proactively seize the moment to good effect and answer a problem with an opportunity.”
- For more information visit www.caav.org.uk.
About the CAAV
The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) is a specialist professional body representing, qualifying and briefing 3,000 members practising in a diverse range of agricultural and rural work throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
CAAV members are agricultural and rural valuers who provide professional advice and valuation expertise on issues affecting the countryside from tenancy matters to sales and purchase of farms and land, from taxation and compulsory purchase to auctioneering, and from conservation issues to farming structures.
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