- Farmers call for reversal of cap on Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) applications.
- Campaigners urge government to consider Basic Income for agricultural workers.
- Growing concern over post-Brexit subsidy instability affecting food producers.
The sudden cap on SFI applications has disrupted financial planning for many farmers. They had anticipated payments as part of their operational budgets.
By proposing a Basic Income for all agricultural workers, BI4Farmers aims to provide a long-term solution. This could address chronic instability in the farming sector.
A Safety Net for Farmers: Campaigners Push for Basic Income and Restoration of Subsidy Access
BI4Farmers and other signatories see the current situation as emblematic of a deeper issue. They highlight an unreliable post-Brexit agricultural policy that leaves farmers vulnerable to government indecision. Therefore, the letter appeals for immediate action to restore confidence and prevents further damage to the rural economy.
The call for Basic Income in agriculture is rooted in the belief that food producers should be financially secure. This should be true regardless of fluctuating market or policy conditions. Campaigners note that a universal farming income could reduce dependence on unpredictable subsidies and market prices.
The halt in SFI access has also sparked backlash from advocacy groups like the Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) and the Landworkers’ Alliance (LWA). They say the move undermines efforts toward sustainable farming practices. These organizations stress that environmental and food system resilience go hand-in-hand.
BI4Farmers has requested a formal meeting with the Minister. They want to explore the viability of such an income scheme and to chart a path toward a more just and ecologically sound agricultural system in the UK.
Campaigners believe a Basic Income for farmers could be the foundation for both economic justice and food system resilience. They urge immediate government engagement.
“Without secure livelihoods for those who grow our food, food security itself cannot be guaranteed.” — Joanna Poulton, BI4Farmers
