Mar 2025
Insights from sector engagement in England and Wales
The report, sponsored by WWF-UK and NatWest Group, explores the transition to regenerative dairy farming in England and Wales. It is based on insights from two workshops held in London and Carmarthen, which brought together diverse stakeholders including farmers, banks, food retailers, and civil servants. The discussions highlighted the financial and environmental benefits of moving from high input-high output systems to regenerative practices. Key themes included the importance of financial support, policy clarity, and collaborative efforts across the supply chain to ensure profitability and resilience for dairy farmers.
The report emphasizes the need for equitable risk distribution and innovative financial solutions to support farmers during the transition period. It outlines the challenges faced by farmers, such as market volatility, policy uncertainty, and the financial risks associated with transitioning to regenerative systems. The workshops revealed that many farmers feel locked into industrial farming systems due to perceived financial security, despite the lack of resilience to climate impacts. The report calls for comprehensive financial planning, support from banks, and government policies that promote regenerative farming.
Additionally, the report highlights the unique contexts of England and Wales, noting specific barriers and opportunities in each region. In England, the focus was on the cost of baselining farmland and the need for standardized data collection. In Wales, the delay in the Sustainable Farming Scheme and significant gaps in finance were major concerns. The report concludes with recommendations for banks, food supply chain actors, and policymakers to support the transition to regenerative dairy farming, emphasizing the importance of long-term thinking, relationship building, and the integration of nature-positive practices.