Most UK livestock farmers want to adopt nature-friendly systems, but are held back by limited government and supply chain support needed to transition to sustainable farming
UK farmers are increasingly supporting nature-friendly livestock farming, recognising its potential to improve biodiversity, soil health, and the long-term sustainability of their businesses. Many farmers see these practices as a way to meet increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible food while maintaining productive and profitable farms. Yet despite this enthusiasm, a lack of clear government guidance, financial incentives, and supply chain support is holding back wider adoption.
Farmers back nature-friendly farming practices, but need support
A survey conducted by market research company Savanta found that many livestock farmers would be willing to move away from industrial farming methods if the right support were in place. Industrial livestock production is characterised by large-scale, high-density indoor housing of animals rather than pasture-based production.
The survey revealed that many farmers feel pushed out of the market, with corporate interests prioritised over fairness and sustainability. Young farmers expressed concern over the industrial meat production industry.
Polling revealed that 94% of UK farmers would switch to less intensive systems with the right incentives. 74% believe public funding should focus on climate action, and 83% want funding to support reduced industrial meat production.
Additionally, 56% of farmers felt that industrial livestock production damages land, and 68% believed that its environmental impacts negatively affect smaller-scale farms.
Backing needed for sustainable livestock farming
The Nature Friendly Farming Network urges government and supply chains to increase investment and long-term support for the transition to nature-friendly systems. This includes trusted advice, fairer supply chains with viable returns, and trade policies that prevent lower-standard imports.
Martin Lines, NFFN CEO, said: “More and more farmers recognise that an industrial livestock model won’t regenerate our land or secure the long-term resilience of farm businesses. Instead, farmers want ‘the right animal in the right place’, with well-managed livestock working with landscapes to build soil fertility, support biodiversity and cycle nutrients through the soil, all while producing great-tasting food.
“Many more farmers would move to diversified, nature-friendly systems – which are more resilient, more sustainable and better for people and the planet – if the right support were in place. It’s especially vital that high-standard food production in the UK, with its associated higher costs, is not undercut by cheaper, lower-standard imports. The Government and supply chains must recognise that nature and food production go hand in hand.”
NFFN England steering group farmer Nic Renison, who runs an upland farm in Cumbria, said: “Industrial livestock production can feel like running on a hamster wheel – you keep pushing for higher output, but profitability always seems just out of reach. It’s exhausting and frustrating.
“This model left us barely covering our bills and struggling for a decent quality of life. Now we farm 400 acres; our main inputs are the sun and rain, which are free, while our soil is our greatest asset. I wouldn’t have thought this kind of farming was possible 10 years ago.”
Fellow NFFN England farmer Amy Chapple, who farms alongside her parents in Devon, added: “Younger farmers are more active online and on social media, which makes it easier to explore alternatives to industrial livestock production. Nature-friendly approaches can also help young people gain a foothold in the industry.
“It’s really encouraging that so many farmers are keen to change the way they work, but proper support is crucial. Making radical change isn’t easy when you have a family to support or have farmed the same way for decades.”
