Farming is the backbone of the countryside and influences the success of the rural economy as well as the landscape. We must value and protect the countryside for its role in supporting farming, tourism and innovative businesses, providing the food and resources we need.

This is a detailed briefing based on CPRE's manifesto for the 2015 General Election.

CPRE has responded to the Government's consultation on the future agricultural policy post-Brexit, 'Health and Harmony: the future for food, farming and the environment in a Green Brexit'. In it, we welcome the Government’s commitments to reversing environmental damage, linking public funding to the delivery of public benefits and maintaining high standards in trade agreements. However, long term public investment in the environment through farming is vital if we are to deliver the 25 year environment plan. Taking these policies as a given, the remaining key issues for CPRE are to:

 - Create a dynamic, innovative farming sector by reversing the dramatic loss of farms, mainly smaller farms, over recent decades. Tailored support should be offered to ensure smaller farms make the most of the new policy, to develop sustainable businesses.

 - Reverse the decline of our beautiful landscapes that people care about so much. Landscapes everywhere must be enhanced through agricultural policy, particularly those around urban areas where most people live. By targeting support to determine where specific actions are taken in the landscape, multiple benefits can be delivered. The tools to do this are already available.

CPRE also calls for more action to improve soils to benefit both farming and the environment, more Government-funded advice to accompany these policy changes and the piloting of innovative schemes such as support for whole farm approaches.

Read our full response in the document below.

In our 2026 Vision for the Countryside CPRE looked to a brighter, better future. The role of farming in helping to deliver that future is critical. This vision sets out our aspirations for a farming system that, by 2026, our centenary year, will be helping to create a more vibrant countryside, environmentally, socially and economically.

Arable farming has changed enormously over the past 60 years and the size of arable farms has greatly increased, resulting in significant changes to the character of many of our landscapes. This is CPRE's analysis of the challenges facing arable farming, and our suggestions for a sustainable future for the sector.

Beef cattle and sheep farming helps maintain many of our most important wildlife habitats, as well as the character of our beautiful countryside. This is CPRE's analysis of the challenges facing beef and sheep farming, including our ideas to help secure its future as a profitable sector which continues to enhance landscapes.

The number of dairy farms in the UK has declined dramatically over the last two decades, with a move towards larger farms and herds. Here, CPRE explore the options for reversing this trend and create a thriving dairy sector with benefits for local food webs and landscapes.

CPRE's Vision for the future of farming looks at the issues surrounding the horticulture sector, including the impact of polytunnels on the landscape and the challenge of getting seasonal, homegrown produce back on shelves and menus. We set out our ideas for reviving the sector to benefit independent producers and strengthen local food webs.

Intensive production of pork and chicken meat and eggs has highlighted a range of welfare and environmental concerns. Here, CPRE examines these concerns and sets out how the pig and poultry sector could benefit from higher animal welfare standards, and what needs to be done to provide more support for our farmers

This report presents findings and recommendations from a five-year national project – Mapping Local Food Webs – to engage local volunteers across England to research their local food ‘webs’: the network of links between people who buy, sell, produce and supply food sourced locally.

CPRE has also produced a series of local food web reports. To request copies, please contact Graeme Willis (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).