Farm Business

This month’s column takes the the form of an open letter to MP Lucy Frazer, who represents south east Cambridgeshire.

Ease and accessibility of virtual livestock sales has seen auction marts invest in digital technology in response to fluctuating Covid-19 restrictions.

Hopes of getting the Government to reconsider its opposition to a low-standard import ban have been given a boost after the Future British Standards Coalition (FBSC) heard evidence that such controls would be compliant with World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.

The shadow Trade and Agriculture Commission (TAC) has said setting high UK import standards in trade deals can benefit developing countries both economically and environmentally.

In a choice between gold plating farm standards or leaving the door ajar to foreign trade deals, a majority of MPs came down on the side of the latter this week.

Reduced costs was the main difference between top and bottom performing dairy businesses according to Old Mill and the Farm Consultancy Group

Last year, Bayer announced it was developing a new business model that meant it would share some of the risk associated with growing crops with its customers.

The ‘court of public opinion’ will force the Government’s hand on standards, president of NFU Scotland Andrew McCornick has said.

Future policy must allow farmers to continue their dual role in maintaining and enhancing landscapes while producing food, an NFU report has highlighted.

Bayer is piloting a programme that pays farmers to adopt more climate-friendly practices that sequester carbon.