THE CLA has claimed Defra is failing to make the link to food and environmental security strongly enough in its soils strategy.

Environment Secretary, Hilary Benn, has launched the strategy - Save our Soils.

The CLA’s deputy president, William Worsley, said: “This strategy tries to span the many policy areas that have an impact on soils but it still does not recognise that agriculture production and the environment must improve together.

“There needs to be more money invested in ensuring knowledge transfer, as well as research and development into soil and water. The money designated will not ensure our soils are protected from future climate change pressures.

“Fertiliser will continue to be the key input for achieving the world grain production goals. This is why the CLA believes a joint food and environmental security policy is crucial as the extensification of agriculture is unlikely.

“Farmers and land managers need to produce more food in stable conditions, employing the best knowledge available for achieving efficient use of resources, especially water and fertilisers.”

He added: “The CLA believes the current policies through cross compliance, Environmental Stewardship and the Catchment Sensitive Farming initiative will help deliver soil protection but there is a significant lack of investment in the adaptation to climate change.

“The role of land management is central for the successful adaptation to climate change.”