Listening to farmers to shape farming policy

Social Researcher, Hannah Baker shares how her team is working to ensure farmers’ voices are ‘on the table’ during discussions about farming policy.
Hannah is a Social Researcher in the Future Farming Insights and Evaluation Team (part of Future Farming Analysis and Evidence) in Defra.
Hannah is responsible for conducting and organising research, such as interviews and focus groups, with the farming community. The insights from this research are then shared with colleagues across the Future Farming and Countryside Programme.
Hannah's team works to make sure the reality of farming ‘on the ground’ is captured and understood. This is used to inform agricultural policy design and delivery.
Social Researcher, Hannah Baker shares how her team is working to ensure farmers’ voices are ‘on the table’ during discussions about farming policy.
Those who started an SFI application within 2 months of 11 March 2025 but did not submit it by that date will be given 6 weeks to complete an application, subject to specific restrictions, including a cap of £9,300 per year per agreement.
Read the full update from Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner.
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Programme.
On this blog, we explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.
We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved.
This week, we’ll be at the following shows:
Come and say hello to our team.
You can find us at these agricultural shows and conferences in 2025.
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provide free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.