AgriFacts
April 2026
Welcome to the April 2026 edition of AgriFacts. Spring has arrived marking a particularly busy time for farming operations. The agricultural industry continues to grapple with the ongoing geopolitical impacts of the war, which is evident across grain prices, fertiliser and diesel availability, among other areas. This issue features an update on Defra’s schemes. We are still awaiting further details regarding the items that will be included in the Capital Grants 2026 offer, anticipated for release in May. If you would like to receive the latest information directly in your inbox, please provide your email address so it can be added to our agribusiness mailing list. We are keen to ensure that AgriFacts remains both interesting and beneficial to you. Your feedback on the content is highly valued, and we would welcome any suggestions for topics, whether one-off pieces or regular features. Please send all suggestions to agrifacts@fishergerman.co.uk
Defra‘s Land Use Framework: What could it mean? Defra has published its Land Use
primarily in food production while also
Practical changes are expected soon.
Framework (LUF), setting out a national
delivering environmental benefits. The
By spring 2026, a National Soil Map is
approach to managing England’s
key theme is “multifunctionality”, with
due to provide detailed soils data for
finite land. It aims to balance food
more than one outcome from the same
England and Wales. A new predictive
production with housing, climate action,
hectare, supported by better targeting
Agricultural Land Classification map
renewable energy and nature recovery.
and data.
is planned, alongside a wider review
Although it is not a formal planning instrument, farmers will judge it on whether it supports practical decisions, encourages investment and reduces complexity.
Food security remains a stated priority. The LUF assumes overall production can be maintained even if some land use changes, provided productivity improves and decisions are guided
Around 70% of England is agricultural,
by reliable information. That matters,
so land managers are central to delivery.
because delivering efficiency gains is
Defra’s modelling to 2030 and 2050
harder when input costs are volatile and
suggests incremental change, including
farm businesses are under pressure.
land moving to urban development (about 1%), renewables (about 2%) and climate and nature outcomes (about 6%). A further 4% is expected to stay
The Framework is built on four principles: multifunctionality; right-use, right-place; future-ready decisions; and adaptive-by-design. The test will be how these translate into incentives, advice and planning decisions. If the LUF is seen as restricting locally informed choices, it risks denting confidence. If it cuts bureaucracy, attracts private funding and provides consistent signals, it could help unlock investment.
of the ALC system by 2028. From 2027, Sustainable Farming Incentive options are expected to become more spatially targeted, potentially with higher payments or bespoke offers in priority areas. Defra also wants to grow private finance for land-use change and increase transparency, including spatial landownership data for larger estates. Overall, the LUF is meant to steer better land-use decisions, not replace the planning system. Its value will depend on implementation, especially whether it gives land managers clarity and flexibility while recognising market volatility and rising costs. Farmers and landowners should watch the rollout closely and look for where it changes incentives, data and decision-making on the ground.