Farm Business

The Government has confirmed furloughed workers will be able to take on additional work during the coronavirus pandemic, in a bid to address the farming sector’s labour shortages.

With the impact of the coronavirus outbreak causing uncertainty and stress, farm groups and agricultural charities have reassured farmers help is at hand for those who need it.

Despite increasing consumer demand for mince amid the Covid-19 situation, social media images have begun to circulate showing Polish beef labelled ‘reduced to clear’ left on store shelves.

Although not always a popular cropping option in recent years, oats could see a consistent rise in acreage and a return to popularity amongst UK growers, thanks to several factors now in the crop’s favour. Farmers Guardian reports.

It is not just shoppers who are stockpiling in the face of coronavirus, with countries holding back grain to keep for their own food supplies, helping push up UK grain prices.

MPs will probe the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the food supply chain as disruption continues during lockdown.

Agricultural charities have adopted new strategies to support farmers in the face of unprecedented challenges presented by the Covid-19 crisis.

NFU Mutual has announced its plans to support farmers and rural communities through a £32 million coronavirus support package.

Dairy UK has written to the Defra Secretary urging him to work alongside Treasury to develop a financial support package to help the industry navigate the adverse effects the coronavirus has had on the sector.

With changing support structures for farmers and concerns over food standards in post-Brexit trade deals presenting unprecedented challenges for Number 10, has the Government delivered on its promises for UK farming?