The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers (CAAV) is urging the Government to introduce a one-off Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme following disruptions from the Gulf War.

With the war upsetting supply chains, fertiliser and fuel prices have been driven up, but output commodity values like wheat have not risen in line. This follows several difficult years for arable farmers, with the sector having just had its worst year in cash terms since at least 2004/5. "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 CAAV in proposing an alternative to DEFRA.

A reduced cropping area has already been seen in the southern hemisphere. Early indications from Australia suggest that 27% of growers have reduced or stopped planting due to uncertainty over the conflict, 53% have less than three weeks of diesel to hand; with fuel 74% more expensive, and 19% have decided not to harvest existing crops due to increased costs of production and haulage, according to the survey by AUSVEG.

The proposed Soil Improvement and Resilience Scheme would see the establishment of a mixed green legume manure, which could be used as a cover crop to improve soil structure and fertility, rather than leaving land fallow. "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," says Mr Moody.

The mix could contain vetch and clover, for example, alongside other crops. "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," he adds.  

"It should be offered to all in June alongside or with the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to be a clear practical option in time for planning for the autumn. 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," says Mr Moody. "Leaving it to the September SFI window would be too late for greatest effectiveness given the planning requirements of arable farming."

The design of the scheme should be simple to maximise practicality, with payment set to give assurance that the costs of establishment are covered. "This is one area where the Government can proactively seize the moment to good effect and answer a problem with an opportunity."

·       For more information visit www.caav.org.uk.