No drought about it: Farming agroecologically for climate resilience

Climate change is no longer a distant threat to UK farming. Farmers are dealing with more frequent floods, longer droughts and hotter summers. Often, these extreme weather events occur within the same year. These events damage crops and livestock and put businesses and food security at risk.  

Our wider food chain is also exposed. In the UK, we rely on imports from some of the most climate-vulnerable countries - leaving the UK itself vulnerable. Consumers are already feeling the impacts of climate disruption through rising food prices. We need farming systems that can cope with heat, drought and flooding while maintaining livelihoods and food security. 

This is why we have launched our new report, 'No Drought About It: Farming Agroecologically for Climate Resilience'. Our report sets out why we need a fundamental shift in our farming system now. Organic and agroecological approaches, with the right support, can help build a food system fit for the future. 

What climate resilience means for farming 

True climate resilience is more than surviving the next storm or dry spell. It means increasing the ability of farming systems to deal with, learn from and adapt to current and future climate risks. Farms must be able to continue producing food, supporting livelihoods, and supporting the natural world in the face of climate threats. 

A truly resilient farm has healthy soils that hold water during dry periods and drain better in heavy rain. It grows a wider diversity of crops, reducing the risk of total crop failure. It doesn’t rely on expensive synthetic and fossil-fuel based inputs, which are vulnerable to price shocks and disruption to supply. It supports wildlife and natural processes that help crops and livestock. Resilience also depends on fair supply chains and localised infrastructure. 

One-off quick fixes won’t be enough. We need a whole-system approach that works with nature, not against it, across landscapes. 

Agroecology offers a pathway to resilience 

The current food system encourages intensive production, heavy reliance on synthetic inputs and high concentrations of livestock. These factors undermine resilience by driving pollution and harming nature. Intensive animal agriculture is reliant on imported feed - and increases vulnerability to price shocks. 

Agroecology offers an alternative solution and organic farming demonstrates a tried and tested model for delivery. It delivers multiple wins for adaptation and resilience. It supports a just transition to resilient food production - with environmental, economic and social benefits baked in. It prioritises whole foods such as beans and pulses – healthy sources of protein, which fix nitrogen and boost soil health. It prioritises mixed farming systems, rotating livestock with diverse crops, enabling a shift towards less and better meat. 

A ten-point plan for building climate resilience 

UK policy hasn’t caught up with the climate challenges currently facing the UK’s food and farming systems. In our report, we set out a Ten-Point Plan to address these policy gaps. If implemented, these points would build climate resilience into the UK farming system: 

1. Develop a national resilience plan for farming with a central role for organic 

2. Strengthen soil protection, with clear targets for soil and funding for good soil management practices above a baseline 

3. Increased production and consumption of climate-friendly foods, including UK-grown horticulture, beans and legumes. Local and sustainable sourcing in public procurement must be scaled up. 

4. Reduce industrial livestock pollution, with more support for mixed and extensive pasture-based systems and firm regulation of industrial livestock  

5. Reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, with a shift towards organic and low-input practices which cause less pollution and are less exposed to fossil-fuel price shocks  

6. Scale up agroforestry to protect crops, livestock, and the environment 

7. Improve monitoring and baselining to track progress, using data in Whole Farm Plans 

8. Make supply chains fairer for British farmers, including fair trade and tariff agreements and improved regional food infrastructure 

9. Make private markets work for resilience, with stronger governance of carbon and natural capital markets to ensure they truly boost nature-based solutions 

10. Invest in the right technology, infrastructure and renewables, which are aligned with agroecological principles - not just “silver bullets” 

To make resilient farming profitable and scalable, farmers need long-term, joined-up support. This includes high-quality advice, knowledge exchange and investment. With the right support, we know farmers can transition to a fairer, more resilient food system. 

The Soil Association’s role in driving change 

This report builds on our long-standing work to support farming systems that are good for people, planet and nature. Through advocacy, research and practical programmes, we champion organic and agroecological farming and support those adopting it. These methods present credible solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity. 

Many farmers are already leading the way. But without coherent policy and the right infrastructure, progress will remain slow and uneven. Building climate resilience is essential and urgent – and it’s the foundation of a secure food future. 

Read the report here.