Environmental Farmers Group (EFG) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the UK’s leading rural insurer, NFU Mutual, with an aim to further support farmers in managing the risks of engaging in emerging natural capital markets.
The partnership has been forged following NFU Mutual research which shows that 24% of the UK farms and estates surveyed are already involved in public or private natural capital initiatives. The new relationship will build on the expertise in both organisations to strengthen the position of farmers in natural capital markets.
This forms part of EFG’s wider work in shaping regulated, voluntary, and future compliance markets, to drive positive landscape-level environmental impacts and fair financial reward for farmers.
Katy Townsend, NFU Mutual Farming Propositions Consultant, said: “This partnership with EFG marks a significant step in our mission to support the future of farming. By combining our expertise, we can develop the right solutions to address key customer needs and help them effectively manage their natural capital risks.
“We’ve found that many farmers considering a move into natural capital activities are looking to NFU Mutual to help identify, manage, and insure against the risks involved.
“Many of the farms and estates already participating in natural capital activities are dedicating between 10–20% of their land to natural capital projects, often without adequate risk protection in place.
“Farmers’ greatest perceived risk is uncertainty about the future of natural capital markets.”
Rob Shepherd, EFG Chairman, said: “This exciting new partnership between the Environmental Farmers Group and NFU Mutual brings together two organisations with much in common. As a co-operative and a mutual respectively, we share core values of collaboration, trust, and community.
“We’re looking forward to working together to help our members understand and maximise the potential of their Natural Capital.”