Described by government as “the most significant moment for English agriculture since the Second World War,” the new 25-year Farming Roadmap lays out an ambitious vision to make farming more profitable, productive and resilient.
Seen as a political reset following tensions with farmers – particularly over inheritance tax changes – the roadmap aims to restore confidence by giving the sector clarity “beyond the next harvest” for the first time.
It positions farming as central to the UK economy and national security. Farmers manage around 70% of England’s land, produce roughly 65% of its food, and support a £153 billion agri-food sector. Against the backdrop of climate volatility and geopolitical disruption, the roadmap sets out a transition to nature-based solutions, improved productivity, and stronger supply chains.
Key measures include £123 million in total innovation funding this year, with a focus on robotics, soil health and water management
NFU: “Ambition there – but delivery missing”
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) welcomed the roadmap’s focus on profitability, resilience, productivity – areas it has long pushed government to prioritise.
However, NFU President Tom Bradshaw delivered a warning: the plan risks lacking the means to deliver.
“While the roadmap is full of ambition, it falls short on action and even shorter on the means of delivery,” he said.
Bradshaw highlighted the absence of long-term funding and the limited role of the Treasury, arguing that financial risk is being shifted onto farmers already struggling with rising costs and tight margins.
“Intent alone won’t deliver a secure and affordable supply of homegrown food… The Treasury is conspicuously absent in this plan.”
The NFU also stressed that food security must sit alongside climate and environmental goals, calling for stronger legislative backing to ensure it remains a priority.
Supply chain: clarity welcomed, delivery still key
The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) struck a more positive tone, welcoming the roadmap as an important step towards long-term clarity.
Chief executive Robert Sheasby said the strategy’s focus aligns well with industry priorities around productivity, competitiveness and sustainability.
“Providing a clearer sense of direction beyond the next election is an important step in supporting confidence and investment across the whole agricultural and food chain.”
However, AIC echoed concerns about implementation, stressing that success will depend on effective partnership between government and industry.
Horticulture: “A step forward – but the devil is in the detail”
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) also welcomed elements of the roadmap, particularly funding for innovation areas such as robotics and water management.
Jennifer Pheasey, HTA’s director of policy, said the announcement offers “much-needed certainty” for labour-intensive growers. However, she warned that support must be accessible and tailored to the sector’s needs.
“The roadmap is a step in the right direction, but the devil is in the detail.”
Clarity needed amid political instability
Campaign group Sustain broadly endorsed the roadmap’s vision but emphasised the need for concrete delivery mechanisms.
It also warned that political uncertainty must not derail progress. In 2026, the governing Labour party has faced a leadership crisis, culminating in the prime minister Kier Starmer stepping down. The next prime minister – with Andy Burnham the leading contender – will be the country’s seventh in 10 years.
“This Farming Roadmap lands at a moment of real political flux,” said Glen Tarman, director of policy and advocacy at Sustain. “Farmers and growers cannot afford for the transition… to be a casualty of that uncertainty.”
A strategy built on partnership – and assumptions
At its core, the Farming Roadmap seeks to consolidate multiple policies into a single framework, offering flexibility rather than a rigid delivery plan.
It assumes that productivity gains will drive growth, private investment will play a major role and that markets will deliver most farm income
Public funding, meanwhile, will increasingly focus on “public goods” such as environmental outcomes, with some existing payments phased out over time.
While this approach reflects a shift towards a market-led system, industry voices caution that these assumptions may be overly optimistic without stronger government backing.
The verdict: direction welcomed, delivery decisive
Across the sector, the reaction is broadly consistent: the roadmap is a welcome and necessary step after years of uncertainty – but its success hinges on execution.
