Cutting dairy consumption is not a solution – real action on the ground is
Farmers are at the forefront of climate change – both in terms of needing to adapt to its impacts and holding many of the solutions to help mitigate it. But a fresh approach from government is required, as Paul Tompkins, NFU Dairy Board Chair, explains.
Climate change is no longer a distant theory – it’s reality for farmers across the country. From unpredictable weather patterns to shifting growing seasons, the impacts are already being felt in our fields and farms. Yet, despite record-breaking temperatures and more extreme seasons, appetite to tackle climate change seems to be meeting a sense of disillusionment.
I find myself included in an increasing number of farmers that a recent report by the Institute for Global Change call “caught in a climate paradox”. Our awareness of climate change has never been higher. Most people, including farmers, accept that the climate is changing, and that human activity is a major part of that cause. Yet in rural farming communities there is a growing gap between climate policies and real-world results.
Out of touch
Proposed solutions like cutting meat and dairy consumption or reducing travel are out of touch with everyday realities; we know that contraction is not the path to low carbon food. Meanwhile, promised benefits of green policies like cheaper energy and valuing the carbon storage of our soils have not materialised at the scale needed. This has led to growing scepticism, especially in the UK, where farmers feel we are already global leaders in producing climate friendly food. Farmers remain caught in the middle of this frustrating paradox. Activists are demanding unrealistic changes whilst our customers are wary of any changes to food production and remain price driven.
“Technology and innovation should be at the heart of food production.”
Political leaders seem unable to work through this stalemate, championing ambitious headlines with shrinking budgets, and all too often debate is dominated by people far removed from the realities of running a farm. Supply chains are also grappling with their statutory obligations to meet targets set by government, yet operate in one of the most competitive parts of our economy.
It is my view that it has never been clearer that we must find a new way forward. We must move away from polarising debates and towards pragmatic solutions, which work for both food production and the environment. It means we must value the food we produce and recognise the cost of doing more. This means supporting carbon storage in healthy soils, agroforestry and regenerative practices. Technology and innovation should be at the heart of food production; smart farms using precision and emerging technologies to boost productivity and cut emissions should be incentivised.
All too often, public finance is tied up in bureaucracy or directed at headline-grabbing projects that don’t help those on the ground. Smarter finance from both public and the private sector could make sure that money flows to where it has the biggest impact, helping farmers adapt to new practices, behaviours and technologies.
Share best practice
Adaptation is essential. No matter what we do, the sum effects of climate change will be felt on farm. We must take ownership of this issue and be supported to adapt in a practical way, whether that’s through investing in flood defences, drought resilient crops or new infrastructure. It’s not always possible to get consensus on ways to adapt; in these circumstances we must have complete transparency so that supply chains, farmers and our customers understand the reasons decisions are being taken, and the cost of doing so.
Understanding and navigating this policy arena is difficult to track at the same time as running a busy farm. However, it is important to stay informed and engaged in this debate. NFU membership has never been more important, to ensure your voice is heard, especially when policies are being developed. Farmers should continue to share best practice and remain open-minded to proven climate smart practices. From cover cropping to rotational grazing, focusing on solutions that boost resilience and productivity will help with margins and deliver for the environment. New opportunities in new markets are exciting; with the help of professional advice, carbon credits, renewable energies and ecosystem services are potential income streams for the future.
“The climate crisis is real and the need for action is urgent.”
In the NFU’s Blueprints for Growth – our detailed vision of what’s needed to underpin confident, sustainable, profitable farm businesses, while producing food for 70m British people and protecting our precious countryside – we highlight why climate adaptation must be given policy focus and support to avert far higher future costs.
The climate crisis is real and the need for action is urgent. The ‘climate paradox’ makes it clear that we need a new approach; one that recognises the realities on the ground, and is driven by practical solutions that are fully costed. Farming unions together with other organisations, supply chains, processors and policy makers must find ways to work together to help advocate for these practical policies. Whether that’s through re-energising the Dairy Roadmap or through other means, it is clear we must work as a supply chain to take charge of our future. For all concerned with food production, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. By leading the way, I believe dairy farmers can be at the heart of a more effective and realistic climate strategy.