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Agricultural policy

The day-to-day decisions made by farmers are influenced greatly by UK and European Union agricultural policy. The RSPB campaigns for policies that provide a fair deal for farmers, consumers and wildlife.

We want to see sustainable farming that provides safe, healthy, affordable food, protects and enhances the environment and its wildlife, supports diverse and attractive landscapes and contributes to a thriving rural economy.

Farmland birds and agriculture policy

Farmland birds are those which rely on farmland for food and nesting sites. We're working to help farmers ensure that as well as providing a sustainable food supply for society, farmland is also able to support birds and other wildlife. More...

Common Agriculture Policy

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was a significant factor driving the intensification of farming. Created in the 1950s, it aimed to provide farmers in the European Economic Community with a reasonable income and a secure, affordable supply of food to consumers. We want a reformed CAP that uses 'public money for public goods' and delivers real benefits for wildlife and the environment. More...

Agri-environment schemes

Agri-environment schemes compensate farmers for the costs of carrying out wildlife friendly management on their farms. A healthy countryside supports diverse wildlife, helps maintain clean water supplies, stores carbon, and provides access to the natural world for everyone. But farmers don’t get paid by the market for providing these services to society. More...

Volunteer advising farmer on increasing wildlife on his farm

Food and the choices we make

Food is a major economic product of our countryside, but the relationship between the farmer's fields and the food on our plates often gets forgotten. We're calling for policies that deliver environmentally-friendly food production, and for consumers to make choices that support more sustainable farming systems. More...