Statement in response to publication of the Westminster government’s Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future

• The Rivers Trust welcomes recognition of the importance of farmers and a more joined-up approach for farming 
• The roadmap published by Defra today (24th June 2026) states that good practice will become standard practice, which relies on robust regulation alongside strong incentives 
• Rivers Trusts play a vital role in supporting farmers and government through this transition 

The Rivers Trust works closely with farmers across the UK and Ireland, witnessing firsthand the effort that goes into managing land and feeding the nation in the face of extreme weather and tough economic conditions. It’s great to see the government recognising the critical role of farmers for the environment, economy, and communities, as well as the need for them to have long-term certainty. The sector has been a victim of fractured, and sometimes contradictory, policies for far too long. We support the government’s ambition to make good practice standard practice, but this relies on both robust regulation and strong incentives for the farming industry. 

This roadmap must now lead to the widespread adoption of a more holistic, catchment-based approach to land management so we can meet the needs of society and our rivers. The Rivers Trust Movement is determined to play a central role in this, continuing our proud history of working with farmers to provide free, confidential advice, to help them access funding that makes their businesses more sustainable, and by delivering the nature-based solutions needed to make rivers – and farms – fit for the future. 

 Mark Lloyd, Chief Executive, adds: “Rivers are a product of the catchment areas they drain and so recovering the health of our rivers relies heavily on changing the way land is used, with 70% being farmland. If we are to build resilience to droughts and floods, and reverse the steep decline in biodiversity in the UK, we need to dramatically scale up the collaborative delivery of nature-based solutions that slow the flow of water and create more watery wildlife habitats. This must be delivered in partnership with farmers, water companies, infrastructure providers, local authorities, businesses and others working to an agreed catchment plan, based on sound evidence. 

“There are several aspects of this announcement that will make that work easier, as long as it is joined up with the ongoing water management reforms that we hope to see in the Clean Water Bill, expected later this year. So, this is a welcome Roadmap, as long as the government follows through with those reforms and takes a joined-up approach.”