Farmer Focus: Is it time to scrap the Environment Agency?

On a rain-soaked morning, I found myself reflecting on the past month, a whirlwind of meetings and conferences, all centred on two fundamental pillars of farming: soil and water.

The first event took place in our village hall, hosted by the local Catchment Sensitive Farming group.

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About the author

Mark Stubbs

Mark Stubbs manages his 700ha family arable farm in Lincolnshire, in partnership with his parents. The farm grows wheat, malting barley, oilseed rape, linseed and cover crops. Mark won the highest yielding winter wheat crop in the 2024 YEN awards.

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Farmers whose land is crossed by the chalk streams of the River Bain came together to discuss water management.

Speakers ranged from representatives of water authorities offering grants for flood protection projects to the Environment Agency showcasing its flood defence systems.

Among farmers, the consensus was clear: perhaps it’s time to scrap the Environment Agency and hand control to Internal Drainage Boards (IDBs), which understand local needs better.

Next came the Soil and Water Conference at Harper Adams University.

Talks ranged from Natural England to land drainage, but the Forestry Commission stole the show.

Their concept of planting single rows of trees in corridors across large arable fields struck a chord. Imagine farming in 36- or 72-metre corridors, with wild bird strips and fruit trees along the edges.

It’s a vision that joins productivity with biodiversity, carbon capture and pest control – all supported by grants.

Finally, I attended Defra’s Farming Roadmap 2050 roundtable.

Thirty farmers sat with Defra delegates to discuss where we want to be by mid-century.

The answer was unanimous: still in business, prioritising food production while respecting environmental responsibilities.

Water management surfaced yet again, and so did the recurring sentiment: replace the Environment Agency with IDBs. Unsurprisingly, Defra officials couldn’t comment.

Across all events, one theme echoed loudly. Frustration with the Environment Agency and faith in local drainage boards.

Farmers want practical solutions, not bureaucracy. Soil and water are the lifeblood of our farms and the foundation of our future.