Soaring fuel costs have triggered calls for a one-off Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme amid disruption due to the Iran War.
Supply chain turmoil has driven up fertiliser and fuel prices – but output commodity values like wheat have not kept pace. The squeeze follows several tough years for arable farmers – with growers just recording their worst year for two decades.
Fallow fields
“This may make it rational for some farmers not to plant crops this autumn for the 2027 harvest – leaving the land fallow instead,” explains Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV).
The CAAV is proposing a Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme. It would support farmers to establish mixed green legume manures rather than leave land bare. These crops could act as cover, improving soil structure and fertility.
“The green manure could be used under the current challenging geopolitical circumstances, signalling a culture of soil improvement for both resilience and productivity, as well as preparation for more extreme weather conditions.”
Uncertain future
Evidence of reduced planting is already emerging in the southern hemisphere. Early indications from Australia suggest that 27% of growers have reduced or stopped planting due to uncertainty over the conflict.
Some 53% of Australian growers have less than three weeks of diesel to hand. Fuel is 74% more expensive. Around 19% have decided not to harvest existing crops due to higher production and haulage costs, according to industry body AusVeg.
The green manure mix proposed to Defra could include vetch and clover, alongside other species, says Mr Moody. It would offer agronomic and environmental gains over leaving soils exposed.
“While farmers might decide to leave land fallow, a one-off scheme to establish a mixed green legume manure after harvest could provide a positive purpose for improvement and a single, simple signal of direction with lasting benefits.”
Practical option
Mr Moody says the scheme should open in June, alongside or aligned with the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). This would give farmers time to plan for autumn drilling.
“It’s a response to concerns over the condition of many of our soils and a positive preparation for the crops to be sown in autumn 2027,” he says. “Leaving it to the September SFI window would be too late for greatest effectiveness given the planning requirements of arable farming.”
The CAAV argues that the scheme should be simple to introduce and operate. Payments should cover establishment costs. The aim is to provide a clear and practical option during a volatile period, says Mr Moody.
The SFI is expected to reopen next month for farmers without an existing agreement. Applications for others are due to reopen in September. Defra has been approached for comment on the CAAV proposal.