At least 100 farmers have joined a new campaign called BI4Farmers to demand a universal basic income for all farmers in the UK. Half of respondents fear going out of business due to post-Brexit trade deals, uncertainty over farm payment systems and rising costs.
Demands for a basic income also come from organic farming. This would create the financial scope to experiment with nature-friendly farming methods without having to forego income, says Sustain's Sustainable Agriculture Campaign Coordinator Will White. "A basic income would guarantee an adequate income, enable appropriate working hours and make starting a career in agriculture affordable for newcomers," he says.