A recent report by The Wildlife Trusts, the Nature Friendly Farming Network and Nethergill Associates explores a different approach: finding the "sweet spot" where farming works with nature to deliver higher profits, thriving wildlife and greater resilience to future challenges.  

A New Measure of Success 

The report analysed the finances of 165 farm businesses across a range of farming systems, including livestock, dairy, mixed and arable farms. The findings challenge the traditional assumption that increasing inputs will always lead to higher profits.  

Instead, researchers identified a point known as Maximum Sustainable Output (MSO). This is where farms maximise commercial returns by making the most of the natural resources available on the land and reducing dependence on costly artificial inputs.  

The result? Many farms can become more profitable while simultaneously delivering more benefits for wildlife, soil health, water quality and climate resilience.  

Working with Nature, Not Against It 

The report argues that intensive farming systems often create a cycle of dependency. As soils degrade and biodiversity declines, farms become increasingly reliant on fertilisers, pesticides and purchased feed to maintain production levels. This can leave businesses vulnerable to rising input costs and market volatility.  

By contrast, nature-friendly farming seeks to harness natural processes such as healthy soils, diverse grasslands, pollination and natural pest control. These systems can reduce costs while improving the long-term resilience of the farm.  

Better for the Farm Business 

One of the most striking findings from the report is that moving towards Maximum Sustainable Output delivered commercial benefits across all farm types studied. Researchers found average increases in commercial returns of between 10% and 45%, as reliance on artificial fertilisers and other costly inputs was reduced.  

Farmers who adopted lower-input approaches also reported benefits beyond the balance sheet, including reduced stress, improved work-life balance and greater confidence in the future of their businesses.  

Better for Nature 

Nature-friendly farming doesn't just support farm profitability. It also creates space for wildlife to recover. 

The report highlights examples where reducing inputs and adopting more sustainable grazing and cropping systems improved soil health, increased plant diversity and created conditions for birds, pollinators and other wildlife to thrive. Healthier ecosystems also help farms adapt to challenges such as drought, flooding and climate change.  

A Future for Farming and Wildlife 

At Cornwall Wildlife Trust, we know that a Wilder Cornwall cannot be achieved without farmers and landowners. More than 70% of Cornwall's land is farmed, making farmers essential partners in restoring nature across our landscapes. 

The Farming at the Sweet Spot report offers encouraging evidence that productive farming and nature recovery are not competing goals. By working with natural systems, farms can become more profitable, more resilient and more environmentally sustainable. 

The future of farming isn't about choosing between food production and wildlife. It's about finding the sweet spot where both can thrive.

For more information about our work with farmers and landowners in Cornwall visit our farming in Cornwall web page or contact our team farm.ecology.advice@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk .