Swap Cattle for Lentils, Farmers to Be Told

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, June 25, 2026

The Labour government has introduced a new agricultural plan encouraging farmers to shift from cattle farming to lentil cultivation as part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions and promote plant-based foods. Despite its ambitions, the plan faces criticism from farmers over practical challenges, lack of financial support, and ongoing concerns about tax policies affecting the sector's stability.

The Labour government has unveiled a new agricultural plan that encourages farmers to transition from cattle rearing to cultivating lentil crops, emphasizing a shift toward lower-emission farming systems in response to growing demand for plant-based foods. This initiative is part of a broader "farming roadmap" aimed at outlining a long-term vision for the country's agricultural sector.

Announced recently, the roadmap includes commitments not only to increasing the use of robotics on farms and improving soil health but also to permitting migrant fruit pickers to work in the sector until 2030. The plan follows recommendations from Baroness Batters’ report on farming profitability and is seen by some as an effort to regain rural support after widespread opposition to the family farm tax.

However, the roadmap has faced criticism from farming representatives and some in the agricultural community. Tom Bradshaw, chief executive of the National Farmers’ Union, acknowledged the ambition of the plan but argued it lacks concrete actions and the necessary financial support. He highlighted the absence of measures from the Treasury to assist farmers, warning that the financial risks are being shifted onto farmers who have already depleted their resources in recent years.

Farmers have also raised practical concerns about the proposal to switch from cattle to lentils. Cattle often graze on wet pasturelands unsuitable for lentil cultivation, as excess moisture can cause lentil roots to rot. Henry Graham, a Berkshire-based farmer with a herd of 400 cattle, described the idea of converting pasture into lentil fields as "ludicrous." He pointed out that chemicals commonly used on lentils are restricted near watercourses, which are typical grazing areas.

Additionally, the timing of Labour’s push is notable as consumer trends suggest a slowdown in the rise of plant-based diets. Data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board indicates that beef consumption this year is projected to drop by just 1 percent compared to last year, while chicken consumption has increased by 3.6 percent since 2024.

The roadmap has also reignited broader concerns within the farming community, particularly regarding tax policies. Clive Bailye, an organizer of recent tractor protests against the family farm tax, said the plan arrives at a time when confidence in the sector is low. He emphasized that without reversing the inheritance tax changes, farmers are reluctant to invest or adopt new technologies amid uncertainty about the survival of their businesses.

While the plan does not address tax issues directly, it maintains the government’s commitment to rewilding projects, which involve taking 9 percent of farmland out of production. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds defended the roadmap in Parliament, stating it was developed through consultation with farmers, growers, and land managers nationwide. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) was approached for further comment.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.