November 2024
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This conference examined the future for land use in England and implications of policy options for food, nature and climate.
With the new Government setting out plans to introduce a land use framework, the conference was a timely opportunity for stakeholders and policymakers to examine priorities for its development, as well as the direction of policy going forward.
Delegates discussed possible systems for allocating land in ways that can serve both stakeholder needs and national objectives, including moving towards net zero targets - and providing clarity sought by the agriculture sector. Areas for discussion included priorities for moving food production forward, nature restoration and climate adaptation, as well as the role of land in supporting renewable energy and social wellbeing.
Delegates assessed strategies for using land to address challenges for food production and support building long-term food security, which is a key national ambition for the new Government.
They discussed the way forward for maximising quality and productive farmland for food production - alongside managing increased costs and the role of ELM schemes in mitigating financial barriers and supporting both farmers and nature. Areas for discussion included developing the role of improved biodiversity in mitigating risks to future food production, including opportunities for repurposing poorer quality farmland for nature restoration and renewable energy, and developing collaborative strategies for supporting nature recovery.
Challenges for implementation of sustainable land management at scale were also examined, looking at concerns raised by stakeholders, such as practicalities of increasing uptake of regenerative farming practices, expanding nature-rich habitats and improving soil health, as well as options for improving public access to nature through accelerated woodland creation.
The agenda also looked at priorities for innovation in technology and farming practices to improve land use and meet objectives for sustainability and productivity.
Further areas for discussion included issues raised by the House of Lords Land Use in England Committee on priorities for leadership and monitoring impact in future policy, the role of local knowledge and adaptability in coordinating an effective land use framework, and navigating the practicalities of a multifunctional approach to land use, as trialled in the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission’s pilot programmes.
We also expected discussion to bring out latest thinking on the role of land management in supporting climate change mitigation and reducing agricultural emissions, including the future for implementing carbon sequestration measures, options for restoring and sustainably managing peatlands with compatible land uses, and furthering the use of technology and data into land use practices to inform decision-making.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. Those that attended include parliamentary pass-holders from both Houses of Parliament and officials from Defra; CCC; EA; Forestry Commission; DESNZ; Ofwat; Homes England; Geospatial Commission; the Planning Inspectorate; NRW; DBT; ONS; HM Treasury; MMO; DfE; DAERA, NI; FCDO; Isle of Man Government; MOD; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
