Legislation

With the chance of reaching a good trade deal with the EU slipping away, we may soon need to start knitting parachutes for a cliff edge exit in December, says Matt Legge, a sheep, beef and pig farmer from the Isle of Wight.

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has said the UK Government’s internal market proposals are a ‘significant step backwards’ for devolution.

The NFU has expressed its disappointment that MPs rejected an opportunity for Parliament to ratify future trade deals which will affect the farming industry.

Farm groups have welcomed the news that small abattoirs are to benefit from public funding under the terms of the Agriculture Bill.

The Government’s decision to set up a Trade Commission should have cooled down the debate on food standards, but instead it has heated it up, says Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City, University of London and author of Feeding Britain.

As the UK prepares to sign trade deals with several countries, including the USA, concerns have grown that the food service sector may move to take advantage of low standard imports in future. Abi Kay reports.  

Defra Secretary George Eustice has reinforced food production will be central to future agricultural policy, in a virtual address at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS).

The independence of the new Trade and Agriculture Commission has been questioned as Farmers Guardian revealed its press operation will be carried out by officials at the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Scottish and UK Ministers have locked horns in a bitter battle over the future protection of food standards.

Only 3 per cent of farmers trust the Government to invest enough money in nature-friendly farming after the coronavirus pandemic, new research has shown.