Liz Warner
Farming continues to face significant challenges, and building businesses that are profitable, productive, and sustainable has never been more important. Since leaving school, I have worked across the agricultural industry — both within the supply chain and in agricultural consultancy — before my husband and I took on a County Council farm tenancy in 2012 as first-generation farmers.
This combination of hands-on farming and professional experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of the industry. With a strong interest in sustainability, I became involved with Wellshead Natural Capital in early 2024, where I have been increasingly engaged in discussions around emerging Natural Capital Markets. However, I have often been frustrated by how frequently farmers are left out of these conversations, despite managing around 70% of the UK’s land area.
Through my Nuffield Scholarship, I aim to help change this. I want to ensure that farmers are placed at the heart of discussions and decision-making around natural capital, recognising their vital role in delivering sustainable food production alongside environmental outcomes.
Cultivating Capital – The Farmer’s Role in a Growing Natural Capital Economy
AHDB
Three Counties Agricultural Society
Study Overview
As Natural Capital markets continue to evolve, it is vital that farmers are not only included but are part of the development and discussion around market frameworks. For these markets to be successful and enduring, they must be able to integrate within diversified, resilient farm businesses.
Farmers need clarity and confidence — understanding how these markets operate, the frameworks and requirements involved, and how delivery on-farm can generate both financial and wider farm benefits.
With growing investment interest from pension funds and private finance, there is a pressing need to ensure that nature restoration at scale does not become synonymous only with rewilding estates. True scale lies in collaboration with the many farmers who collectively manage the majority of the UK’s land. My study will explore how market frameworks can support Natural Capital opportunities for all types and sizes of farm businesses. and how farmers can be fairly rewarded for the environmental value they deliver as part of a sustainable, productive future for UK agriculture.