Source · Select Committees · Energy Security and Net Zero Committee
Recommendation 46
46
Deferred
Update Agricultural Land Classification urgently to reflect climate change and farming practice impacts.
Recommendation
The Government should review and update the Agricultural Land Classification, as a matter of urgency, to reflect how factors such as climate change, soil degradation, changes to farming practices and technological advancements might affect productivity. (Recommendation, Paragraph 109) 59
Government Response Summary
Defra states that the recent Land Use Consultation included a question on updating the Agricultural Land Classification system and that the government remains committed to reviewing and maintaining accurate classification data. This indicates the matter is under consideration via consultation rather than an immediate commitment to an urgent update.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
This recommendation is beyond the remit of DESNZ. The following response has been provided by Defra. The ALC system was developed in the mid 1960’s to map the distribution of agricultural land quality, across England and Wales, to a common standard. This was to ensure high quality land could be protected from loss to development, through the planning system. It assesses land’s agricultural capability based on inherent properties of soil, climate, and site characteristics. Land is graded from Grade 1 (excellent) to Grade 5 (very poor). Grades 1, 2, and 3a are considered Best and Most Versatile (BMV). It identifies a particular soils capability (in combination with the site and climate) to support food production. The ALC system has not been significantly updated since 1988. The government remains committed to maintaining accurate land classification data to support planning and policy decisions. Any new strategic-scale ALC map would replace the 1960s provisional map in England, ensuring alignment with current ALC guidelines and including the subdivision of Grade 3 land into subgrades 3a and 3b. The recent Land Use Consultation (31 January 2025 – 25 April 2025) included a question on updating the ALC system. Updating the ALC system would provide up-to-date and accurate information on land quality, and the government remains committed to reviewing and maintaining accurate land classification data to support planning and policy decisions.