“Nature markets offer a means for farmers to attract private sector investment to complement public sector funding when delivering environmental improvements. They are evolving at a fast pace and it is our sincere hope that this toolkit will support farmers in understanding the current markets landscape, and that it will guide them through all the questions they will need to consider in order to assess whether these markets are right for them.”

“We are committed to targeting at least £500 million of private investment for nature recovery in England each year by 2027, rising to at least £1 billion each year by 2030, and farmers will be key in delivering this. This Toolkit will be a valuable resource to give farmers and growers the information they need to develop their understanding of nature markets, providing them new opportunities to be paid for delivering environmental outcomes and contributing to a thriving and sustainable agricultural sector.”

“Understanding the opportunities that nature markets provide can feel like a daunting prospect. This pioneering GFI Farming Toolkit is an invaluable resource for the farming community when considering how to enhance nature and improve the climate resilience of their businesses whilst seeking to maintain a suitable income. We want nature markets to help the farming community transition to a sustainable state, this Toolkit will help anyone embarking on that journey.”

“It is of vital importance that farmers are rewarded for their work in delivering environmental outcomes and the management of natural capital. It is sad that in most cases, food markets and other markets for agricultural produce do not routinely factor in the environmental management costs involved. To date, farmers have been rewarded, to some extent through public funding but it is now good to see private markets being developed. In landlord tenant situations it will be essential to ensure that tenant farmers have fair access to any private funding available for the environmental work they carry out. They must not be displaced by private sector agreements with landlords which sideline the legitimate and important interests of tenant farmers.”

“Natural capital markets are a new and developing feature in farming and land management. A tool that helps farmers navigate this novel and complex landscape is a welcome addition. Farmers want to be a positive force for change, and our research shows they want government to put the guardrails in place for a well-regulated, sophisticated and fair market in which they can operate with confidence.”

"The voluntary carbon market currently available to farmers is still developing, requiring consistent and comparable standards, and offering lower financial gains than the compulsory market. However, AHDB, as an evidence-based organisation understands the need for independently verified evidence and data to enable farmers to make informed decisions. The Farming Toolkit offers impartial and comprehensive information on nature markets."

“All farmers must be supported and empowered to enter nature markets in order to receive the just rewards for their land stewardship and the provision of ecosystem services on which we all depend. The publication of the GFI farmer-focussed Toolkit is an essential development to enable widespread adoption of nature-based solutions and income in farming businesses across the country alongside the traditional markets of food, fibre and timber, whether based on carbon, biodiversity, nutrient quality or natural flood management.”