Why We Support a Basic Income for Farmers
At the Food Partnership, food plays a central role in all our work. We believe it is essential for sustaining individuals and communities. Through our Land Use Plus project, we support nature-friendly farming, stronger local food networks, and a joined-up approach to land use in the local area. Our team believe that a thriving food system starts with those who produce it.
At the recent Oxford Real Farming Conference, one discussion stood out: the urgent need for a Basic Income for Farmers. Jo Poulton, leading the campaign alongside The Landworker’s Alliance, highlighted the financial struggles driving many out of the industry.
Hearing Jo speak at the conference reinforced our belief: financial security for farmers is key to a fair and sustainable food system.
The Case for a Basic Income for Farmers
Farming is unpredictable. Farmers face financial instability due to volatile markets, extreme weather, and policy shifts. A recent Soil Association Exchange report revealed that 66.1% of farmers see financial risks as a major barrier to adopting sustainable practices. How can they transition to nature-friendly farming if they’re struggling to just stay afloat?
A Basic Income for Farmers in the form of direct, unconditional cash payments would provide better security for farmers. In turn this will help farmers to manage future risk, invest in sustainability, and support mental well-being. Financial stress is a crisis, with 95% of young farmers citing mental health as a key concern.
A National Conversation
Momentum is building. The conversation now moves to Parliament, where Jo Poulton will speak at the ‘Universal Basic Income and Regrowth’ event on 27th February 2025. Hosted by the Basic Income Movement, this event will explore how a Universal Basic Income (UBI) could reshape farming and food security.
Farmers are the backbone of our food system, yet many struggle to survive. One-third of British farms made no profit in 2022, and smaller farms, often those practicing nature-friendly farming are being squeezed out. We need policies that recognise farmers play such an essential role in the food system that ensures they can sustain their work, regardless of land productivity or market fluctuations.
Take Action
The more MPs who attend the ‘Universal Basic Income and Regrowth’ event, the better. If you support a Basic Income for Farmers, consider emailing your MP and encouraging them to attend.
Here is a template from Basic Income for Farmers (BI4Farmers) that you can use:
SUBJECT: Universal Basic Income and Regrowth: Committee Room 10, House of Commons, 27th February, 10:30am-12:30pm
BODY:
To [MP NAME]
I am one of your constituents and a strong advocate for the introduction of a Universal Basic Income (UBI), including a targeted Basic Income for Farmers. I urge you to attend the ‘Universal Basic Income and Regrowth’ event in the House of Commons to learn more about how UBI can drive economic growth and provide essential support to those who are falling through the gaps in our current welfare system.
The pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have exposed the inadequacies of our welfare system, leaving millions without adequate support. In 2023 alone, £18.7 billion of means-tested benefits went unclaimed, rising by £4 billion in 2024. The complexity of the benefits system, combined with societal stigma, has left many families struggling without the help they need.
The situation is particularly dire for farmers. A recent Soil Association Exchange report found that 66.1% of farmers see financial risks as barriers to adopting sustainable practices. As Alex Heffron aptly said, “Farmers cannot go green if they are in the red.” One-third of British farms made no profit in 2022, with average incomes well below the Minimum Income Standard set by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. This financial strain significantly impacts farmers’ mental well-being, with 95% of young farmers citing mental health as a major concern.
A Basic Income for Farmers could provide a safety net, enabling them to focus on sustainable practices without the relentless financial and mental pressure. This initiative would ensure that farmers receive a guaranteed income, underpinning their livelihoods and fostering innovation and transformation in agriculture. It would also help smaller farms, which have been disproportionately affected by current subsidy schemes, preventing further decline in the sector.
UBI is not a panacea but could be a cornerstone of a reimagined welfare state, complementing high-quality public services and targeted support for additional needs. Evidence from global UBI pilots shows that direct cash payments empower individuals to meet their essential needs, contributing to happier, healthier, and more secure communities.
Towns and regions worldwide are testing UBI with positive outcomes. In the UK, 18 councils and the Welsh Senedd have passed motions supporting UBI pilots. It’s time for us to take similar bold steps. The UBI and Regrowth event on February 27th from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm in Committee Room 10, House of Commons, will provide valuable insights into this initiative’s potential to revitalize our economy and society.
I hope you will attend this event and consider the transformative impact a Universal Basic Income, including a Basic Income for Farmers, could have on our communities.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Together we can make a change.
This is a great chance to show support for the farmers who put food on our tables and help spread the word about this important campaign.
