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Home , Breadbasket, Cornelius Vermuyden, East Anglia, Fens Waterways Link, Natural England, Sutton Bridge

Delivering for Britain Food and farming in the DELIVERING FOR BRITAIN FOOD AND FARMING IN The Fens - a powerhouse of British food and farming

Why the Fens delivers for Britain By East Anglian farmer and television presenter Jimmy Doherty

Map by Naomi Stevenson, Natural major food revolution is Modern-day farmers are cultivating what underway in Britain, with the Romans realised was a vital, food-growing Produced by: people increasingly making the centre of their empire, centuries before the great NFU East , House, connection between what they engineer Vermuyden made it one of the most Newmarket, CB8 7SN eat and who produces it. productive farmlands on the planet. ood and farming in the Fens has systematically drained under the supervision of NFU East , Agriculture AAs a farmer and food fanatic, it’s a passion And they’re helping to conserve the rich been delivering for Britain for Dutch engineer . House, Uppingham, LE15 9NX of mine to spread the word about the relentless heritage of birds, fish, insects and flowers by hundreds of years. It was the prize The changed the Fens from a hard work put in by farmers across this country working with nature in a sustainable way, of farming its fertile that first series of wetlands, which provided fish and Economic research: to help serve up safe, affordable and traceable as well as producing family favourites like led to the Fens being drained, waterfowl for the local population, plus living Collison & Associates food, while conserving our stunning natural vegetables, salad, chips and crisps and boosting Ftransforming it into the powerhouse of space on higher ground, to a place where its landscape for future generations. the local economy as employers. productive agriculture and horticulture it is high quality soils could be used for farming. Editor: Brian Finnerty The Fens plays an enormous role in all of The Fens is a crucial chapter in the British today. This report highlights the huge contribution this. It’s the engine room of British agriculture food story. Its work must be allowed to carry The Fens begins its life in the surrounding Fenland farming makes to Britain today. It Design: Darren Ryley and horticulture, and a unique farming hub. on, not just for now, but for the future. ‘uplands’ where four rivers – the Witham, outlines how the farmers who live and work Blessed with superb, nutrient-rich , which Welland, Nene and Ouse – start their here can meet the challenge of producing Photo credits: helps us grow and sustain an abundance of high journeys. These rivers carry water from the more food for a growing population, while Andrew Sharpe, Anna Draper/ quality produce that is the envy of the world, uplands and surrounding areas down through minimising disruption to, and enchancing, Echo, Cambs the Fens provides everyone from top restaurants the Fens and into . this unique and treasured environment. And Growers, Gary K. /FLPA, Gary and supermarkets to home cooks with the best The Fens, as we know it now, started to it sets out the role Government and local Naylor, Ieuan Williams, LIAT, NIAB, possible raw ingredients for their dishes. take shape in the 17th century, when drainage policymakers need to fulfil to enable this Princes Ltd, Skylark Events, Tim of the wetlands began in earnest. It was to happen. Scrivener, Tom Clarke.

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DELIVERING FOR BRITAIN FOOD AND FARMING IN THE FENS Food and farming THE FOOD CHAIN EMPLOYS‘ 80,000 PEOPLE AND GENERATES MORE ‘THAN £3 BILLION A YEAR FOR THE in the Fens FENS’ ECONOMY

Harvesting potatoes in the Fens. he Fens is the beating heart of British food and farming. Although it covers less than 4% of England’s farmed area, the Fens produces more than 7% of TEngland’s total agricultural production, worth a staggering £1.23 billion. The whole food chain, from to fork, employs 80,000 people – equivalent to the population of – and generates more than £3 billion a year for the Fens’ economy. The Fens is often referred to as the breadbasket of Britain, due to the amount of cereal crops grown here. However, it is also the linchpin of vegetable, salad, flowers and bulb production.

CROPS PRODUCED HERE INCLUDE: • One third of England’s fresh vegetables • One fifth of England’s potatoes • More than one fifth of England’s flowers and bulbs • One fifth of England’s sugar beet • A significant percentage of the country’s cereal, oilseed rape and protein crops.

The Fens is famous for its celery production, which has protected name status, and more than half of the beetroot grown in the UK is produced here. In addition, all of the farmers growing mustard for Colman’s English Mustard are in the Fens.

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All of this is built on the foundation of Water and farming England’s most productive farmland, including THE FOOD CHAIN IN THE FENS WATER INTENSIVE CROPPING IN THE FENS about half the grade 1 soil nationally. Overall, in the Fens nearly 90% of the farmland in the Fens is either Stage of chain Employees GVA £m Crop % of England 2016 £m grade 1 or 2. Growers of crops including potatoes, vegetables, There are significant pig and poultry businesses Agriculture 13,414 432 flowers and fruit are dependent on access to Potatoes 20% 112 within the Fens and and sheep play an water to sustain the Fens’ hugely important important role in maintaining traditional Fen Agricultural supply industry 2,968 170 irrigated crops sector. Sugar beet 20% 30 landscapes. These include the Nene and Ouse More than one fifth of England’s water- Washes and recreated landscapes such as the Professional services 1,288 49 intensive crops are grown in the Fens, worth Vegetables 32.8% 357 , and Willow Tree Fen. £750 million (see table). Alongside the 13,400 people employed The commercial food chain 26,040 1,634 Not all crops are routinely irrigated but, Plants and flowers 21.4% 232 directly on farms, the supply chain generates without access to secure water supplies, growers additional economic value and supports jobs in Food retailing and catering 36,000 800 are likely to relocate their businesses elsewhere, Fruit 3.1% 19 areas from machinery manufacturers to probably overseas, given the lack of suitable feed companies and a wide range of allied trades. Total 79,710 3,085 alternative sites in the UK. Total crop output 21.5% 750 Farm produce underpins two key sectors This would have major economic impacts for – the commercial food chain (processing, The food chain, from farm to fork, employs 80,000 people and generates more than the Fens, the national food chain and the rural (Figures from Collision & Associates, based on Defra farm survey statistics) packaging and distribution) and food retailing £3 billion for the Fens economy. (Compiled by Collison & Associates for NFU). economy. and catering. The agricultural drought of 2018 highlighted The Fens has the largest fresh produce billion for the economy. Retailing and catering , which hosts the headquarters this vulnerability, with restrictions and irrigation These include: logistics hub in the UK and a large and is worth an additional £800 million and of research organisation NIAB and a rapidly bans coming into force in parts of the Fens, • contingency planning among farmers to • Deliver maximum and timely flexibility in sophisticated commercial food chain, closely employs an estimated 36,000 staff. expanding range of food chain related research including the Middle Level. better understand the risks of water supply the application of water abstraction rules. linked to its strong farm production base. This Adding to the Fens’ strategic importance, and agri-tech start-up businesses, as well as In its lessons learnt document, drawn up disruption and how to manage them The NFU would also like to see incentives, sector employs 26,040 staff, and generates it is home to national industry bodies in established multinational input suppliers. after the drought, the NFU called for several • long-term, multi-sector collaborative plans through the tax system, to encourage £1.63 billion for the economy (expressed as Peterborough including AIC (Agricultural The National Centre for Food measures to help ensure growers can access for managing water scarcity in food- investment in farm reservoirs and water Gross Value Added, GVA). Industries Confederation) and the AEA Manufacturing, the UK’s largest provider water for food. production centres such as the Fens efficiency measures. The combined agriculture and food chain (Agricultural Engineers Association). of education for the food chain, is based in employs nearly 44,000 staff, producing £2.3 The southern end of the Fens includes , as part of the University of Lincoln.

CASE STUDY Irrigating salad crops in the Lincolnshire Fens. PRINCES LTD AT AND

LONG SUTTON Quality assessment of peas at Princes’ Long Sutton site before they are released for sale. Princes sources and manufactures high quality food and drink and is a supplier of private label products to supermarkets in the UK and across the world. In addition, it supplies millions of UK shoppers with branded products every week. With large production facilities at Wisbech and at Long Sutton, Princes is a large purchaser of some locally grown Fenland products. For example, it buys around 5,000 tonnes of its total requirement of garden peas from Fenland growers for production of Batchelors brand (produced under licence from Premier Foods) and own label for all the major UK retailers. The peas supplied from Fenland growers equate to approximately 2,250 Charlie Stowe, Senior Buyer for and we’re proud to have long-standing acres of farmland, harvested as part Princes, said: “We are proud to support and successful relationships across of a 24/7 operation during the summer British farmers and the success of our Fenland.” season. products depends on our suppliers’ Significant investment at both East At Long Sutton, around 37 million passion for the crops they produce and Anglian sites has already, and will cans of garden peas are produced. Up their dedication to exceptional quality. continue to, increase capability and to five million of these can be produced “Princes will always try to support capacity overall, which will lead to in a single week during the season. farms from which we source ingredients wider economic benefits for the region.

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rivers and waterways in the Fens is mostly either good or moderate. Water quality is improving, through factors including technological improvements and the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative.4 Initiatives to boost productivity, while protecting and enhancing the environment, are being developed with the help of Championing the Farmed Environment (CFE), the RSPB, and farmer-led nature friendly farming groups. Farming in an area so vulnerable to change, farmers are committed to greater action to help achieve the NFU’s ambition of net zero agriculture by 2040. The Fens is already a major centre for renewable energy, providing the ideal landscape for solar energy generation, onshore wind farms and a growing number of anaerobic digestion plants. It is also home to the UK’s first straw-

fuelled power station, near Ely, which

converts straw and miscanthus into electricity. Government figures show that, at the end of 2017, solar and wind had a combined THE FENS IS‘ ALREADY installed capacity of 1,111 MW in the Fens.5 This provides enough energy annually to A MAJOR CENTRE power the equivalent of 428,000 homes, a FOR RENEWABLE 6 ‘ city the size of Birmingham. ENERGY

A view of the Fens near Thorney.

CASE STUDY THE ELY NATURE- Delivering for the FRIENDLY FARMING ZONE

Neighbouring Fen farmers are working seed, 285 acres of pollen and nectar environment in the Fens together to ensure that farming is strips, hundreds of bird boxes, nearly environmentally sustainable, delivering 31 miles of hedges and many newly landscape-scale improvements as well created ponds, scrapes and reed longside food and horticultural These habitats are protected by livestock criss-cross this farmland, is staging a significant as being productive and profitable. beds. production, farmers in the Fens farmers who graze cattle and sheep, reducing the recovery in the Fens. A group of 22 farmers has formed the One of the farmers involved is Tom play a vital role in managing, height and increasing the diversity of vegetation A 2015 survey found stable numbers in the Ely Nature-Friendly Farming Zone. The Clarke, who took over his family’s protecting and enhancing its to the benefit of birds and other wildlife. Middle Level. Researchers concluded that farmers are committed to enhancing farm business in 2009. unique and fragile environment. Migrating birds such as Bewick’s swans also feed maintenance by internal drainage boards was the environment within the farmed He said: “Many farmers are already AThe Fens is internationally recognised for its on sugar beet tops and small potatoes left in fields critical for water voles.2 landscape, while producing good doing a lot for the environment, but biodiversity. A recent biodiversity audit identified after harvest. Another threatened species making a quality, healthy, sustainable food. to really make a difference within the more than 13,000 different species here, Across the Fens, farmers look after hundreds of comeback is the common crane, which until They do this by pooling their Fenland landscape we need to work including 1,932 priority species.1 miles of , providing important habitats for recently had not bred in the UK for over four collective knowledge and expertise, together. It is fairly straightforward

Areas of the Fens have been designated as aquatic life, invertebrates, birds, mammals and centuries. In 2016, the Fens had helping to restore lost farmland wildlife to make a big difference by each

Special Areas of Conservation and Special rare flora and fauna. a recorded population of eight pairs and seven across a wide area of the Fens, and by of us making small changes, and Protection Areas because of their importance for young at locations including RSPB reserves at the promoting the initiative to the public by promoting and spreading our species including the spined loach, a freshwater MORE THAN‘ 13,000 Nene Washes and Fen.3 and fellow farmers. approach. fish threatened in the UK. Water quality is an essential component of a To qualify for membership, a farm “The typical stereotype of the Fens, The Fens also includes the Wash coastline, DIFFERENT SPECIES healthy ecosystem. Steps to protect ditches and must dedicate at least 3% of its area and farming in the Fens, is of flat, which covers more than 153,000 acres and is ‘ARE FOUND IN other waterways from excess nitrates, phosphates for birds, bees and wildlife. Most of the 'boring' fields, intensively farmed with one of the most outstanding coastal wetlands THE FENS and pesticides in the Fens include buffer zones to current members have much more in no room for wildlife. It is up to us to in . Together with the Nene and Ouse reduce the risk of contamination from farming place, with up to 25% of some farms show the public and other farmers Washes, these Fenland habitats provide a key These include the water vole, a species in long- operations. dedicated to conservation agriculture. otherwise, and demonstrate that staging post for a myriad of migrant wildfowl term decline across the UK but which, having According to the Anglian River Basin That already accounts for more farming can, and must, go hand in and wading bird species. found the perfect refuge in the ditches that Management Plan, the ecological status of than 400 acres of winter wild bird hand with enhancing nature.”

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CASE STUDY FARMER PHILIP BRADSHAW

No-till farming prepares the land for crops without mechanically disturbing the soil. One Fenland farmer using this system is Philip Bradshaw, a Cambridgeshire County Council farms tenant at Whittlesey. After investigating the concept for several years, he bought a new direct drill in 2016 with the help of a Rural Development Programme LEADER grant. The machinery arrived in time for autumn drilling, heralding a new system of almost no cultivation on his arable farm. There were some initial challenges, including slug control, but the benefits have included productivity savings in time, fuel and machinery wear. Environmental benefits include reduced greenhouse gas emissions and the farm’s worm population is increasing. Mr Bradshaw has identified five different worm species that are helping to improve the soil. He accepts that no-till cultivation is not suitable for every farm business, or every crop, but he is continuing with the system. He hopes to see increasing crop yields in the future, alongside cost savings and soil improvements.

CASE STUDY Planting little gem lettuces in the Fens. CHARLES , G’S

G’s is an international family business and international established by Guy Shropshire in workshops to learn 1952 with just 100 acres, which now more and share employs more than 7,000 people in best practice. peak season and farms 45,000 acres It is using drones across Europe and west Africa. and other new Managing Its head office is at Barway near technology to and the Fens is integral to its help it understand farming operations. the varying soil The business grows a wide range structures around soils in the Fens of crops including lettuce, spring the Fens, which and bulb onions, leafy salads, celery, can include , radish, beetroot, organic salads and silt, sand and t was the prospect of farming the Fens’ But modern farming systems are evolving to adoption of, soil conservation practices such as vegetables and potatoes. clay. Soil tests for nutrient-rich soils that led to the area better manage peat and optimise the potential minimum and no-till technology, subterranean It also operates a 3MW anaerobic macro and micro Third generations farmer being drained centuries ago and turned it of varying grades and classes of soil, including irrigation and precision farming, which uses digestion plant, fed by crops nutrients are Charles Shropshire. into the centre of food production that it skirt, silt and clay soils. machinery guided by satellite technology. including locally-grown maize. undertaken and has become. Vegetation cover provides good mitigation While Defra research has established that Third-generation farmer Charles an in-depth soil IThese rich, fertile calcareous and silty soils for wind-blown soil losses. To safeguard peat lowland in England and Wales are large Shropshire said the business was management plan is being produced lettuce production and this has over the coastal and central Fens, and the dark resources and high value vegetable crops, sources of greenhouse gas emissions, it concludes taking a whole-farm approach, for each field. produced up to 50% savings in water Fen peat further inland, provide an excellent farmers have planted tree shelter belts around that major emissions reductions appear looking at how to farm more Techniques employed include usage. resource to nurture high value crops.1 fields and are utilising cover crops. achievable through changing the management of productively while also managing cover crops, managing water levels Charles said: “We are here to farm. The Fens is the largest contiguous area of Cover crops are non-harvested crops grown agricultural peatlands.3 soils and the environment. and applying the liquid digestate Our primary job is to produce crops lowland peat in the UK and lowland peatland for the purpose of protecting and enriching soil In 2019, the Government is due to publish The business employs a full-time from the AD plant back onto the and progressive farm management is one of the most carbon-rich ecosystems in between periods of regular crop production. an England peat strategy, which will set out a sustainability manager and works land. The less productive areas of will be at the forefront of what the country.2 They can help add organic matter to the soil, 25 year plan for improving the condition of closely with conservation groups farmland are put into environmental we do. The past use of peatland for improved reduce erosion and run-off in otherwise bare soil, peatlands. Farmers are already demonstrating the such as the RSPB and research measures. “Our main aim is to become far , arable and horticultural production conserve soil moisture and protect water quality. building blocks of the new land management organisations including NIAB. Trickle irrigation has been less dependent on agrochemicals has led to losses of this valuable peat resource. There is also increasing interest in, and techniques required to achieve these goals. Employees also attend national introduced for celery, potatoes and and fertiliser.”

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80,000 The Fens: PEOPLE ARE EMPLOYED, 500,000 FROM FARM TO FORK, Delivering for Britain WITHIN THE FENS PEOPLE LIVE IN THE FENS

£3.1 21% 3,800 OF ENGLAND'S BULBS miles billion AND FLOWERS ARE THE VALUE OF THE FOOD OF WATERCOURSES GROWN IN THE FENS CHAIN IN THE FENS ARE MAINTAINED BY 286 INTERNAL DRAINAGE PUMPING STATIONS PROTECT BOARDS THE FENS FROM FLOODING

90% 13,000 OF FENS' FARMLAND IS DIFFERENT ANIMAL AND GRADE 1 OR 2 428,000 PLANT SPECIES ARE 33% UK HOMES CAN BE SUPPLIED OF ENGLAND'S FRESH FOUND IN THE FENS BY SOLAR AND WIND VEGETABLES ARE GROWN HERE ENERGY GENERATED HERE

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CASE STUDY Promoting the Fens AN AMAIZING FARM ATTRACTION

ourism plays an increasingly In Cambridgeshire, including Peterborough, New locks will be constructed, drains One farming business that has recognised important role in the life of in 2010 total tourism value was almost £1.9 opened up to navigation and canals cut. The the value of tourism is Skylark Events, part the Fens, providing leisure and billion, with 18,131 FTE jobs. opening of Boston Lock in 2009 marked the of a farm enterprise at Wimblington in recreational activities for millions A 2016 report by the Greater Lincolnshire completion of phase one, with phase two and Cambridgeshire, owned and operated by the of visitors each year and a vital Nature Partnership looked at the value three set to improve connections with the Gowler family. Tcontribution to the rural economy. of nature-related tourism. It estimated South . In 2005 they grew one of the UK’s first People come to enjoy its market towns, iconic the potential value of all countryside- More is also being done to cater for the maize mazes on a 12-acre site, making it one landmarks such as , but also its based recreation and leisure across Greater walkers who come to the ‘big sky country’ to of the largest in at the time. The breath-taking countryside, wildlife and the local Lincolnshire at £325 million.2 enjoy the dramatic landscape, unique character maze, based on the outline of a JCB digger, food and drink produced here. The report states: “Locally-sourced food, of the Fens and its easy accessibility. proved a huge success, both with young Farmers manage and protect many of the including foods and recipes based on traditional The Fens Edge Trail is a project from the children and adults. areas that are so popular with tourists. They crops and farming practices, is important to Cambridgeshire Geological Society that Since then they have continued to develop have also diversified their businesses to provide visitors to Lincolnshire now and will continue aims to provide a walking route around the the leisure side of the business, with more leisure activities, retail opportunities and visitor to grow in importance in years to come.” Cambridgeshire Fens, roughly following the complex maze designs and additional accommodation. Waterways are an integral part of the land that lies five metres above sea level. It attractions such as a go-kart track, inflatables Figures for the economic value of tourism Fenland landscape and an ambitious project is is designed to link the landscape of the Fen and new tractor rides, operating alongside relating specifically to the Fens are difficult to under way to maximise their tourism potential. Edge to the local geology, history, culture and their farm shop and restaurant. find. However, according to the 2012 report The aims to connect wildlife.3 They have also extended their season by Fens for the Future, Lincolnshire tourism was more than 150 miles of waterways, linking up Natural England’s Natural Character Area including events themed around Halloween responsible for £972 million of local spending the cathedral cities of Ely, Peterborough and profile of the Fens states that access to wildlife and a Santa’s Grotto and now have more in 2009, supporting 17,175 FTE (full-time Lincoln with Boston, Spalding, , is of major importance for recreation and than 15,000 visitors a year. equivalent) jobs.1 Thorney and Ramsey. tourism.4

The G's display at Ely Cathedral Harvest Festival 2018.

Pick-your-own potatoes at Park Farm, Thorney.

Farmers near Peterborough are also building on the public’s interest in Fenland food and farming with an annual Open Farm and Vintage Weekend at Park Farm, Thorney in June. Farmer Michael Sly works with local farmers on the annual free event, held as part of LEAF’s national Open Farm Sunday initiative. Alongside other activities such as pick- your-own potatoes, visitors are taken on a farm safari to find out about the crops grown and the environmental measures in place on the farm. More than 65,000 people have visited the event since it The maize maze at Skylark. started in 2006.

14 15 DELIVERING FOR BRITAIN FOOD AND FARMING IN THE FENS Protecting the Fens

Supporting communities

in the Fens ver since the first attempts to drain the Fens a millennium ago, there has been an ongoing battle to protect its soils from sea and river longside producing quality “Because we are committed to supplying our As a result of its hard work in the treacherous flooding. food and plants, and managing produce, and this is reliant on our workforce, conditions, the public nominated TH Clements ETo maintain water levels in the Fens, and the environment, farm we sent out fleets of our 4x4 vehicles to collect for a Snow Heroes Award, where it was placed mitigate the risk of flooding, water must be businesses play a central role in staff and help any struggling members of the as runner up. pumped into the rivers and out into the Wash. community life within the Fens. public en route too. “In times like these the community really The watercourses and pumps are ATheir involvement includes donating “We achieved 70% of staff numbers on has to come together and farmers are equipped, maintained by internal drainage boards surplus produce to food charities, holding free the worst few days of the beast from the east willing and able to help in some way, shape or (IDBs). Members of each board include open days to promote food and farming, and through these efforts, which allowed us to form,” said Andy. elected farmers and local councillors, who forging links with local schools. And, when meet demand despite the very challenging represent the interests of people living and communities come under pressure, farmers are circumstances.” working in the Fens. there to help. But that isn’t where the hard work of TH The Fens is home to 500,000 people and One example is TH Clements, a business that Clements ended. covers an area of almost 1,500 square miles, has been farming high quality vegetables within Andy said: “We realised the roads were in a encompassing 12 districts, four counties The Wrangle sea defences protect a 30 mile radius of Boston for more than 50 bad way and there were many abandoned cars. and 11 groups of IDBs.1 The IDBs maintain Lincolnshire homes and farmland. years. When the ‘beast from the east’ struck in “We made the decision to send out snow 3,800 miles of watercourses and 286 pumping 2018, the company played a fundamental role ploughs, loaders and teleporters from 6am maybe pull quote stations with a combined capacity to pump in overcoming the chaos that was caused as the for most of the second day to help the local the equivalent of 16,700 Olympic swimming country came to a halt. community who couldn’t get home. here or pic to fill pools of water in 24 hours. the frequency and intensity of storm surge bank have been strengthened and raised to a Harvest manager Andy Blair said: “The “We also called the police to let them know The Fens is well protected, with more than events, mean it is crucial flood defences are height of seven metres. high wind speeds and snowfall meant there if they needed additional resource and help 60 miles of coastal sea banks and 96 miles both maintained and improved. At Boston, work is in progress to raise the was a lot of drift on roads in the surrounding we could provide this. This offer was taken of fluvial embankments. However, climate One major piece of work to Fenland sea banks of the , currently at 6.1 areas to our base. We realised some of our 400 up when we received a call asking for an change poses a serious threat. banks is at Wrangle, where these defences were metres to 6.5 metres, and install a barrier to workers would not make it into work without ambulance escort, as well as rescuing stranded Predictions of sea level rises of up to one damaged and breached in the storm surge of protect the town in a tidal surge event. This is additional help. police cars.” metre by 2080, together with an increase in December 2013. Since then, four miles of sea designed to cope with future climate change.

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The ’s assessment differs, Agricultural land and production is also farming and the coast is looked at in the depending on the coastline in question. The 6.5 undervalued within the calculations used to calculations of benefits from undertaking metre banks will suffice for the next 40 years work out the benefit-to-cost ratios of capital fluvial and coastal defence work. of climate change in some locations but not projects. Therefore, agricultural land is not Decisions to invest in flood defences others, where better protection will be necessary. given the priority it should receive when should be based on the true value of the assets The question is who pays for this vital work? assessing how much government funding can produced and the supply chains they support. No individuals or businesses, apart from port be spent on Fenland sea and fluvial defences. The NFU is involved in Environment Agency- authorities, have the money to part-fund flood If farmland is flooded from the sea it will be led discussions on developing a long term or coastal defence work, but government out of production for at least five years because funding strategy for future Fenland flood support is inadequate. of the effect of salt. Freshwater flooding will defences. The HS2 rail project will get full government damage crops if they are underwater for a week We also need to use the most economical funding, with a benefit-to-cost ratio of 1.5 to or more. way of strengthening the defences, by utilising one. Yet major flood defence projects get very To get the resources required to properly local contractors and locally-sourced material limited funding, even if their return is 20 to one. protect the Fens we need to change the way wherever possible.

CASE STUDY PROCTOR OF PROCTOR BROTHERS This 5.4km-long buffer to hold back A thriving future tidal surges from the was bolstered using 50 acres of quality to widen it, with its height increased from 6 metres to 7 metres, at a cost of £1.8 million. for the Fens The project was led by the Witham Fourth and involved a wide array of partners. “The amount of people and infrastructure we are protecting in “Farming is a forward looking and progressive industry that has always been the Fens is considerable,” Stafford said. an early adopter of technology. As the world’s population continues to grow, “That’s 500,000 people, their homes, rural communities, villages ways have to be found to produce more food on the same amount of land, while and towns, businesses and road and rail infrastructure. There’s reducing farming’s environmental footprint.” considerable renewable energy NFU President Minette Batters, generation that is within the internal drainage board district too. The Future of Food 2040 “And, of course, we are the major centre for food production in the UK. It is vital for our food supply and the he overall challenge for the Fens individuals who can take the reins and more food with fewer resources in the face of employment this brings.” is to produce more food for maximise innovation, technology and efficiency. extreme weather. a growing population, while Agriculture today is a high-tech industry. But whatever technological advances are

Stafford Proctor’s family has been in the Wash Frontages Group. The minimising disruption to, and The past few decades have seen unprecedented made, Fen farmers will always need people farming in Long Sutton, Sutton Bridge team promotes and encourages enhancing, the environment. advancements, introducing drones to aid soil with the right skills and abilities to drive their

and Wisbech since the 1840s. He improvements to the coastal and river TIt is predicted that, over the next 35 years, mapping, GPS to guide tractors, robots in pack businesses forward. grows potatoes, oilseed rape, , flood defences around the Wash to THE SENSE OF there will be an additional two billion people houses and data sharing platforms that boost A new crop of farmers are armed with skills pulses, sugar beet, mustard and protect people, towns, businesses, CAMARADERIE ‘ on the planet. Diets are also changing, with cross-industry efficiency. in IT, data analysis, land agency, and vegetables. farming and food production. individuals’ calorific intake increasing. One Data is key to the future. Machinery employment law to prepare for their careers. The sense of camaraderie among Its biggest project to date is AMONG FARMERS recent report claimed the world could be facing distributers, input manufacturers, seed breeders This is why it is vital that government policy farmers in this part of the Fens is well the Wrangle Sea Bank. This is the ‘IN THIS PART OF a 214 trillion calorie deficit by 2027.1 and other firms are developing sophisticated encourages investment in future technology, established, and a group of them first major improvement to sea THE FENS IS WELL How can this challenge be achieved against software packages that provide informed skills and training. cooperate in storage, marketing and defences in more than 30 years, a background of climate change, increasing analytics to improve the final product. These farmers of tomorrow must also have purchasing. made even more crucial in light of ESTABLISHED population and a new agricultural policy for the And these advancements are set to continue. access to affordable housing, close to their place And with his land’s proximity to the the devastating flooding around the UK? The answer lies with the next generation. Research centres based in the Fens are leading of work, along with improved transport and Wash, Stafford is also heavily involved Wash in 2013. The future of the agricultural industry is the way by delving into new resilient crop communication links to address issues around reliant on young, pioneering, forward thinking varieties and techniques that will produce social and economic isolation in rural areas.

18 19 DELIVERING FOR BRITAIN FOOD AND FARMING IN THE FENS

CASE STUDY CASE STUDY CAMILLA STACEY AND WILL VEAL THE LINCOLN INSTITUTE FOR AGRI-FOOD Camilla Stacey and Will Veal are next- TECHNOLOGY generation farmers looking to build a new farm business in the Fens. Academics and farmers are joining forces to tackle the The couple took over a 300 acre challenges that the agri-sector faces. Cambridgeshire County Council One example is the work undertaken at the Lincoln tenancy at Doddington near March Institute for Agri-food Technology (LIAT), part of the in October 2016. They also rent land Riseholme campus at the University of Lincoln. nearby, farming a total of 400 acres. Its key objective is to work with industry to undertake They grow feed wheat, sugar beet crucial research and introduce a successful knowledge and oilseed rape and also have exchange programme. There is a clear focus on improving a flock of 30 breeding ewes plus productivity, efficiency and sustainability through lambs. The farm is in a Countryside innovation. Stewardship scheme as well. The Saline Farming Project aims to provide solutions to the Both are holding down other jobs threat climate change poses to the North Sea region. The within agriculture while they grow the research looks towards the sustainable production of food business. Camilla, 26, is self-employed, by maximising land that has the potential to grow saline- working for other farmers, while Will, tolerant crops. 29, works with his father, Edward Veal. Natural flood management is another area high on the “Without the council-owned lease agenda for Riseholme to tackle, including encouraging we would be struggling to farm in our water transfer from land back to aquifers or storage in the own right. This is what these holdings landscape. are brilliant for,” said Camilla. Research being undertaken at Lincoln is at the forefront “At the moment we’re working for of automation and robotic research. It has secured funding other people and farming here in the to develop robots for the soft fruit sector, creating a 24/7 evenings and at weekends. a longer-term agreement to increase technology and have bought a drone labour pool. “The first year was very hard and their security of tenure. to carry out aerial surveys of the Professor Simon Pearson, director of LIAT, said: “The future we just had to cut back on things. You Will explained that they were crops. will change the landscape of the Fens. have to sacrifice your spending on hoping to grow the business by They are also looking to grow Dr Iain Gould, a soil scientist “We will see more energy crops, as this provides a leisure activities and build up slowly.” renting additional land and investing stubble turnips to try and control at LIAT, teaching short-course sustainable income, more contract farming and livestock The couple are on a five year in more farm machinery. They are blackgrass and provide a source of students in rotations. We may see increased biodiversity and tenancy but are hoping to move on to keen to make the most of new food for their sheep over the winter. , but the Fens is resilient.”

CASE STUDY NIAB AND THE CAMBRIDGE CENTRE FOR CROP SCIENCE

NIAB has been helping to feed only engage in research that we feel “Some of the highest yielding wheat faces and NIAB is serious about the planet, through crop science will provide beneficial impact.” in the world can be found in the Fens. strengthening it through investment. innovation, for 100 years from its base NIAB’s large farmer and industry The land has enormous potential.” One example is an exciting in the heart of Cambridgeshire. membership base allows for efficient NIAB’s pre-breeding platform initiative with the University of It provides world class research, communication from research to has recently accelerated genetic Cambridge. They have formed a joint information and advice to support action. It works on more than 100 advances in wheat, including ground- initiative, 3CS, the Cambridge Centre the sustainable intensification of crop farms in the Fens alone. breaking research into re-synthesised for Crop Science, opening in 2020. production through improved genetics, Part of NIAB’s research focuses on wheat. Led by a professor in crop precision agronomy and digital tools creating genetic diversity in modern It is also working to combat the science, the centre will house senior to support decision making. wheat, with the ultimate goal of impact of climate change on crops, academics, PhD and postdoc Technical director Bill Clark said: “A breaking the current yield plateau. posed by extreme weather patterns students and NIAB plant breeders central objective for us is to bridge the Mr Clark said: “There have and new pest or pathogen populations and geneticists, all working in unison gap between the basic understanding been drastic improvements and thriving in new . to generate new ways to grow crops of plant genetics and the ability to breakthroughs in yields in the past but Collaboration is essential to for food, fuel, industrial feedstocks apply that knowledge in practice. We we are ready for the next step change. overcome the stiff challenges farming and pharmaceuticals.

20 21 DELIVERING FOR BRITAIN References

Delivering for the environment in the Fens Protecting the Fens 1. http://www.fensforthefuture.org.uk/admin resources/5fensbiodiversity 1. https://democracy.peterborough.gov.uk/documents/s25077/10aiii.%20 auditfinalreport24-10-2012.pdf FMS%20Appendices%20A-D.pdf 2. https://www.wildlifebcn.org/news/water-voles-national-decline 2. https://www.fensforthefuture.org.uk/admin/resources/downloads/glnp- 3. https://www.fensforthefuture.org.uk/news/post/cranes nature-tourism-research-feb-2016-final.pdf 4. https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/6229624 3. http://www.fenedgetrail.org/ 5. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/regional-renewable-statistics 4. https://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publications/6229624 6. NFU estimate

Managing soils in the Fens A thriving future for the Fens 1. http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/publication/6229624 1. https://qz.com/africa/1064653/the-world-could-run-out-of-food-two- 2. http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=14106_ decades-earlier-than-thought/ Report_FINAL.pdf 3. http://sciencesearch.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=14106_ Report_FINAL.pdf

What's needed now for the Fens

The NFU calls for the following actions to secure a successful and sustainable future for the Fens:

Plan Protect Pay

• Develop policies that support the • Create policies that support farm • Provide payments and financial sustainable growth and productivity businesses in managing climate and incentives that encourage of profitable food and farming market volatility business investment in productivity businesses • Remove regulatory barriers that improvements, water management • Develop long-term collaborative impede the construction of on-farm and the farmed environment approaches to managing water reservoirs and restrict food business • Ensure a fair return throughout availability and flood and coastal expansion the supply chain to enable the risk management that prioritises • Flood defence investment should be sustainable and managed use of farmers and food manufacturing based on the true value of protected natural Fenland resources • Decisions should be made at local assets and the supply chains they • If agricultural land is used for flood and catchment level support alleviation or water storage, any • Develop best practice in the • The Fens needs better transport links, scheme needs to be agreed, paid management of soil and water to improved broadband and mobile for, and managed locally maximise the resources available coverage to help reduce social and • Reward the provision of public and adapt to climate change economic isolation goods through a well-designed • Develop policies that support • Immigration policies should ensure Environmental Land Management and encourage investment in new food and farming businesses Scheme that reflects the unique technology, skills and training can continue to access a skilled landscape of the Fens • Develop and fund affordable housing workforce provision throughout the Fens

22 23 Report produced by:

NFU EAST ANGLIA Agriculture House Willie Snaith Road Newmarket CB8 7SN

Tel: 01638 672100 Email: [email protected] @NFUEastAnglia

NFU Agriculture House North Gate Uppingham LE15 9NX

Tel: 01572 824250 Email: [email protected] @NFUEastMidlands

Published by NFU, Agriculture House Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire CV8 2TZ April 2019