Responding to the publication of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has warned it leaves “unanswered questions” about how its goals align with food production.

NFU said it was calling for food production to be given the same prioritisation to ensure the EIP goes hand in hand with a sustainable, secure supply of food.

Responding to the launch of the EIP, NFU president Tom Bradshaw said: “The clear direction from Defra is that they need farmers to deliver for the environment and farmers stand ready to do just that. What farmers need from Defra in return is similar clarity on the importance of domestic food production and a policy framework that supports that.

“The Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds said, ‘Britain’s rolling hills and stunning coastline are treasures’ that must be protected. It shouldn’t be forgotten that these landscapes exist because generations of farmers have shaped and cared for them while producing food for the nation. We need policies that enable farm businesses to produce food, strengthen food security, and achieve the Government’s own ambition of improving farm profitability alongside these environmental goals.”

“We need clear targets for British food production, because a resilient food system is not just an ambition, it’s a necessity.”

Bradshaw continued: “Defra’s plans for Landscape Recovery projects under the EIP involve combining Government funding with private investment. However, experience shows that attracting private investment has been challenging, raising concerns about how farmers can confidently engage their businesses in the projects.

“That’s why we’re calling for certainty over the Sustainable Farming Incentive, alongside delivery of the EIP, and, as clearly set out in the NFU Blueprints, a multifunctional Land Use Framework that gives food production equal priority to environmental delivery.

“We also need clear targets for British food production, because a resilient food system is not just an ambition, it’s a necessity. This will go a long way in giving farmers the clarity that they need from Defra and confidence to the public who tell us time and time again that they want to buy British.”