Climate-friendly farming
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a resilient business. It's as simple as that.
Our ambition of net zero GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions by 2040 is agriculture’s contribution to the UK’s overall target of net zero by 2050.
Across the economy, each sector is stepping up to reduce emissions as far as possible. Currently, the industry contributes roughly 12% of the UK's GHG emissions, but agriculture is almost uniquely placed to be part of the solution to climate change, as both an emissions source and sink.
It’s all about balance
Alongside producing food, energy and fibre, farmers can reduce the impact of GHG emissions through using resources more efficiently, and protecting and enhancing the vital carbon reserves already in our soils and vegetation.
Farmers and growers can produce their own renewable energy and use engineered greenhouse gas removal technologies to contribute to the decarbonisation of the wider economy.
However, we must be sure to achieve our climate change ambitions without exporting our emissions to other countries.
This is a national aspiration, not an expectation that every farm can achieve the same level of emissions reductions.
Each farm will start their journey from a different place, and methods that work best for some farms, will not work for others.
Our 3 climate-friendly farming pillars
Since 2019, our 3-pillar approach to net zero has been reflected in the plans of many other industry sectors.
That is, to reduce production emissions and increase sustainability as far as reasonably possible through the more efficient use of resources, then use nature-based solutions and engineered greenhouse gas removals to offset the residual emissions and protect assets.
Our net zero reports
Our 3-pillar approach to net zero is explained in more detail in our net zero reports.
Find inspirational stories from our farmers and growers and see how our members are producing climate-friendly food.
NFU sector resilience plans
The NFU's sector resilience plans have been refreshed since their launch at NFU Conference 2023. They map out sector board priorities and asks of government to support climate-friendly agriculture and improve business resilience.
Last update: December 2024
Latest climate-friendly farming news
See how your sector is working to be more sustainable
Find out all about COP30 in Belem, Brazil on our rolling news page.
COP (Conference of the Parties) is organised by the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) bringing together more than 190 countries every year to negotiate and report on progress against past and current climate treaties.