NSA condemns the Government’s withdrawal of critical grant support
NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: "This move comes at a critical time when sustainable farming and nature recovery demand urgent and sustained investment. The abrupt suspension of the capital grants is a further betrayal of commitments to support rural livelihoods and environmental stewardship. Farmers are the custodians of our landscapes and biodiversity. This withdrawal jeopardises their ability to deliver vital environmental benefits while maintaining food production. It undermines confidence in government support and sends the wrong message to those striving to achieve net-zero and sustainable farming goals.
The grants, which were offered to fund essential items such as fencing, water management, and habitat restoration, are fundamental to improving farm infrastructure and enhancing biodiversity. Many farmers had already begun planning around these schemes, and the sudden closure leaves them in financial and operational limbo. Although existing agreements remain in place, uncertainty over future funding will stem progress on critical projects.
NSA Policy Manager Emma Owen says: "The decision prioritises limited high-value areas like tree health while leaving large swathes of rural communities without necessary resources. This approach risks deepening regional inequalities and hindering efforts to address the climate crisis.
“NSA is calling for immediate clarity from Defra on future funding plans. It is vital that the Government adopts a transparent, consistent approach to agricultural support that genuinely reflects the needs of rural Britain. If the Government is serious about its environmental and food security ambitions, it must invest in the people at the heart of these goals. Farmers are ready to deliver, but they need the tools and trust to do so".
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