Welcome back to The Strawman, your daily climate newsletter that’s here to break down the biggest stories in climate and energy—minus the greenwashing and doomsday panic.

Today, we’re talking about England’s farmland: how much of it needs to be rewilded for climate targets, why farmers are furious, and whether there’s a way to keep everyone happy.

The Great Land Grab?

According to a government estimate released Friday, 760,000 hectares—or nearly 10% of England’s farmland—will need to shift away from agriculture by 2050. The goal? Turn it into woodland, heath, or other natural habitats to meet emissions reduction targets.

That’s not all. An additional 9% of farmland will need to adapt to “climate benefits” like sustainable farming techniques.

Farmers, however, aren’t thrilled. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) argues that agricultural land is already under strain, with many farms prioritising biofuels or rewilding over food production just to stay afloat. Cutting more farmland, they warn, could increase the UK’s reliance on food imports.

The Long-Awaited Land Use Framework

Successive UK governments have dodged making firm land-use policies, wary of farmer backlash. But the new “land use framework” aims to balance competing needs—farming, renewable energy, housing, and conservation—under one national strategy.

The government insists it’s not about dictating how land is used but rather about opening a “national conversation.” Meanwhile, the NFU wants hard assurances that food security remains a priority, and landowners fear creeping government control.

One big sticking point: the new post-Brexit subsidy scheme, which rewards farmers for adopting sustainable practices but, in some cases, pays them to take land out of food production entirely. Critics say this contradicts the government’s supposed commitment to food security.

A Policy Tug-of-War

The stakes are high: farmers are already dealing with inflation, flood damage, and subsidy cuts. The Labour government’s recent reversal of inheritance tax exemptions on farmland has only added fuel to the fire.

The government is trying to reassure everyone that this isn’t a land grab, but with mounting pressure to meet climate targets and growing rural frustration, it’s a fine balancing act.

The big question: Can England find a way to meet climate goals and keep its farmers in business?

The Strawman’s Takeaway

The UK’s land use dilemma highlights a broader global challenge: how to balance food security with emissions reduction. Rewilding might be great for the climate, but if it makes food more expensive or reliant on imports, is it really a win?

Let us know what you think—should governments prioritize rewilding, food security, or try to juggle both?