New report warns of 23% farmland loss by 2050
In response to the latest report which forecasts a dramatic loss of farmed land in the UK, the CLA explains that protecting food security is vital, but it also requires a flexible approach
Nearly a quarter of currently farmed land could be lost over the next 25 years, a new report has warned.
The UK Food Security – Outlook to 2050 report has been published by Science for Sustainable Agriculture and authored by Dr Derrick Wilkinson, a former chief economist at the CLA.
It raises concerns about the potential loss of up to 23% of currently farmed land by 2050 due to competing land-use demands including housing, solar infrastructure, tree planting and carbon offsetting.
It warns that, unless agricultural productivity is significantly boosted, these trends could lead to a 32% fall in domestic food production, exposing the UK to increased import reliance and food price volatility.
Key findings include:
- 771,000ha of farmland lost since 2000; up to 3.96million hectares at risk by 2050
- Per capita food production down 5% over the past 25 years
- Yields slowing due to extreme weather, input restrictions, and policy-driven disincentives
- Food imports may need to rise by 160-260% under worst-case projections
- UK population forecast to reach 75-80 million by 2050, increasing pressure on domestic supply
CLA Deputy President Gavin Lane said:
“Protecting agricultural land for future food security is important, but requires a flexible approach that considers changing climate, farming systems and societal needs, rather than simple designation.
There needs to be long-term stability in government policies and schemes for landowners and managers to help deliver the government’s environmental commitments while also feeding the nation
“It is essential that farmers have the autonomy to make the right decision on land use for their business.”
The report calls for a more co-ordinated policy approach that balances food production and environmental goals, including investment in science and innovation, smarter land-use strategies, and better cross-government integration on food security.
Having received feedback from CLA members about the prospect of a Land Use Framework, we have submitted our response to the land use consultation with established policy positions in mind. Learn more about the framework and read our consultation response below.