Case Study

Land degradation, UK farmers and indicative financial risk

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Agriculture

About this Case Study

This case study explores the potential financial risks posed by land degradation to arable farming producers in the United Kingdom.

Key outcomes

  • This case study analysed the impact on UK cereal farmers on degrading land of extreme weather events and fertiliser price hikes, finding that degrading land poses a material risk to the profitability of those who farm it and, by extension, to those who lend to these farmers.
  • For extreme weather events, financial losses for farmers begin once crop yield declines reach and exceed 27% for two consecutive years. Whilst a 27% or greater crop yield decline is very unlikely for those farming healthier, more resilient soils, research indicates it is possible for those on degrading land.
  • Those farming degrading land are likely to be crop price takers as they are in the minority. As a result, these farmers are also unlikely to be adequately compensated by any crop price increase that follows extreme weather.
Download Case Study (Land degradation, UK farmers and indicative financial risk)

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