Sustainability regulations in the UK agricultural sector are becoming increasingly important as the government sets ambitious goals to combat climate change.

Farmers and agribusinesses need to comply with a range of environmental regulations that shape how they operate and manage resources. For example, the Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme offers incentives for farmers to enhance the environment, improve soil health, plant trees, and conserving water. ELM compliance with ELM is important for farmers in securing funds and remaining aligned with national policies on sustainability(1).

The Agricultural Transition Plan focuses on three areas (2). The Sustainable Farming Incentive is a universal scheme open to all farmers and supporting sustainable approaches to farm husbandry while Local Nature Recovery will concentrates on building back nature into and beyond the farmed landscape. The Landscape Recovery will support more fundamental changes to land use to significantly enhance the landscape, restore wilder landscapes.

Farmers will be required to reduce their carbon emissions and adopt low-carbon technologies to meet the UK’s net-zero emissions target. This means that farms must explore alternative energy sources, invest in more efficient machinery, and improve land management practices to cut down on emissions.

Farmers must implement improved measures to better manage water resources, preventing runoff, managing fertiliser use, and protecting water bodies from contaminants. Non-compliance could result in fines and damage to both the environment and the farm’s reputation(3).

Proper disposal and recycling of waste are important aspects of sustainability compliance and the Waste Management Regulations and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations will continue to affect farmers as they manage farm machinery and equipment(4).

As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, farmers need to stay informed about changing requirements and adjust their practices to ensure compliance while supporting the UK's broader sustainability goals.

Bibliography

1 Environmental Land Management (ELM) update: how government will pay for land-based environment and climate goods and services (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-land-management-update-how-government-will-pay-for-land-based-environment-and-climate-goods-and-services/

2 Agricultural Transition Plan (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/agricultural-transition-plan-2021-to-2024

3 Water Resources (Control of Pollution) (Accessed May 2025) https://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/uksi/2010/639

4Regulations: Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) (Accessed May 2025) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regulations-waste-electrical-and-electronic-equipment