Biodiversity measures impacting farming and agriculture in the UK and Ireland

In the UK, the 25 Year Environment Plan 1  has established ambitious targets to enhance water quality and safeguard threatened plants, trees and wildlife species. Ireland has established similar objectives in the National Biodiversity Action Plan. 2  Recent measures introduced in both the UK and Ireland recognise the need to balance the protection of biodiversity with the vital role that farming plays in society. As a result, there has been a shift in focus from the individual farming activity to a more holistic approach, considering the collective effect on the area in which the farming occurs. This can be seen in the Environment Agency’s change in approach to the granting of abstraction licences, the focus moving from the individual applicant to a holistic approach based on a catchment area. Environmental groups and government agencies have generally welcomed the move towards a more holistic, landscape-scale approach, arguing that it is more effective for addressing issues such as habitat fragmentation, water quality and species decline. Farmers’ reactions are more varied depending on local circumstances and the level of support provided for adaptation.

The agricultural sector is undergoing significant transformation as a result of increasing emphasis on biodiversity and sustainability. The introduction of new policies and schemes across the UK and Ireland reflect a growing recognition of the need to integrate biodiversity conservation with agricultural production, leading to a shift in industry practices and priorities. For many farmers and agri-businesses, these changes present both challenges and opportunities.

The move towards sustainable farming practices often requires investment in new methods such as reduced pesticide and fertiliser use, the creation and maintenance of wildlife habitats and the adoption of low-carbon and water-efficient technologies. While these measures can entail initial costs and adjustments to traditional practices, they are increasingly supported by financial incentives, advisory services and regulatory frameworks designed to ease the transition.

However, the ability for abstraction licences in England and Wales to be varied or revoked without compensation from 2028, where such action is necessary to protect the environment, creates uncertainty and will increase operational and financial risks for the industry. Farmers may need to adapt their operations to mitigate the risk of licence variation or revocation. Farming associations have expressed concern, highlighting that water abstraction is critical for many agricultural operations; the prospect of access to water being lost or restricted without financial compensation is seen as a major risk to farm viability and long-term planning. The consensus is that the sector is not fully prepared for this change. While some larger or more progressive farms have begun to invest in water efficiency, storage and alternative sources, many others lack the resources or knowledge to adapt quickly. Further support and guidance are essential to help farmers transition and adapt to the new regulatory environment.

The industry is also experiencing a growing demand for sustainably produced food, with consumers and retailers placing greater value on environmental credentials. This trend is encouraging innovation and diversification within the sector, as producers seek to differentiate their products and access new markets. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders regarding the administrative burden of compliance, the adequacy of financial support and the potential impact on farm profitability, particularly for smaller or more marginal operations.

While the importance of biodiversity is increasingly recognised, its direct impact on consumers’ plates, particularly in terms of food prices and quality, remains a relatively underexplored topic in public debate. This may change as the effects of new policies become more apparent and as public interest in sustainable food systems continues to grow.

Overall, the drive to enhance biodiversity is reshaping the agricultural landscape, prompting the industry to balance productivity with environmental stewardship. The long-term success of these initiatives will depend on continued collaboration between government, industry and the wider rural community, as well as ongoing monitoring and adaptation of policies to ensure both economic viability and ecological resilience. Ultimately, the transition to more sustainable agriculture offers the potential not only to restore biodiversity, but also to enhance the resilience and competitiveness of the industry in a changing world.

The emphasis in the UK and Ireland is on encouraging widespread adoption of sustainable practices through financial support and clear targets to address the impact of agriculture and farming on biodiversity.