Business potential of nature-friendly farming highlighted at influential conference

The annual Oxford Farming Conference in January brings together farmers, policy makers, scientists and many others from the agricultural, rural and food sectors. This year, RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight is chairing a discussion on the business potential of nature-friendly farming.  

Farmers in the UK are facing numerous challenges, including the impact of climate change bringing more extreme and less predictable weather, changing policies, and ongoing financial pressures.  

The natural world is also under immense pressure. The latest UK Farmland Bird index shows that the abundance of 19 key bird species has fallen dramatically since the 1970s, with sharp declines in once familiar favourites including Tree Sparrows, Turtle Doves and Corn Buntings. And we know that a healthy ecosystem is vital to farming.  

Nature gives us the very things we need to farm successfully – healthy soils, clean water and a rich diversity of life. And it’s through nature-friendly farming that we can address climate change, build resilience in UK farming, and reverse the declines in our wildlife.  

We’re working with farmers across the UK to show that nature-friendly farming can be productive and profitable. The Fair to Nature scheme, run by the RSPB, is a certification scheme and advisory service helping farmers to support nature and increase biodiversity on their farms. And for decades, we’ve worked alongside farmers, landowners and crofters to support nature-friendly farming and improve the prospects for key species, such as Curlews, Turtle Doves, Cirl Buntings and Corncrakes. 

Talking of the RSPB’s commitment to supporting farmers, RSPB Chief Executive Beccy Speight said: “Through our work with the farming community, we’re continuing to strive for solutions that work for nature, for farming businesses, and for food production. At the heart of this commitment is a belief in a just transition – one that supports farmers and rural communities to thrive while addressing the urgent environmental challenges we face together.” 

The discussion at the conference is set to explore the different benefits of nature-friendly farming, particularly from a business perspective, such as green finance opportunities and how nature boosts productivity. For example, the fundamental role of insects in managing pests and increasing yields. 

“The session will be about necessity as well as opportunity. Specifically, the opportunities that come from recognising how deeply intertwined farming, food production, and nature really are. Nature needs farmers, and farmers and food systems need nature. Together, we have the chance to build resilience – not only for individual businesses but across our landscapes and food systems,” said Beccy Speight, RSPB Chief Executive. 

Joining the discussion will be Arla Customer Agriculture Manager Jenny Clark, Professor Lynn Dicks from the University of Cambridge, and farmer Patrick Barker, member of Nature Friendly Farming Network England Steering Committee. It is hoped that the lively discussion from these expert speakers, with the help of the audience, will share ideas and experiences, inspiring more nature-friendly efforts across the sector. 

 The Oxford Farming Conference is taking place from 8 to 10 January 2025.  

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