Farm Business

Farming groups have united in their response to Defra’s move to relax competition laws in dairying, calling for further measures to save the sector.

A surge in home-baking has left shoppers unable to stock up on flour.

The Livestock Auctioneers’ Association has agreed with Defra and the Welsh Government some sales of breeding stock can be carried out within newly established protocols which demonstrate social distancing measures. 

Defra has launched its Pick for Britain campaign as part of efforts to attract British workers to help harvest crops, but industry chiefs continue to raise concerns over severe labour shortages.

Concerns over the availability of seasonal agricultural labour are being voiced worldwide.

Nearly half of the UK’s fruit and vegetables are now produced to the environmental standards demanded by the LEAF Marque accreditation scheme.

Publication of Defra’s analysis on the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) review has highlighted market development and on farm productivity as key priorities for the levy board going forward.

New guidance for police officers which suggests people can drive to the countryside to exercise despite lockdown conditions has sparked alarm among rural industry bodies. 

A farmer has raised over £32,000 for the NHS, after being inspired to walk 91 laps around his home by an army veteran’s fundraising efforts.

There are only a few months left until the Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship application window closes on 31 July 2020.  Countryside Stewardship agreements will continue to be offered in 2022 and 2023, until the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) is introduced in 2024.