Politics

Concerns are growing that Defra will not increase payment rates under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), despite an unexpected increase in the department’s budget.

Ploughing more money into Defra’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme will keep food prices down for consumers, according to AHDB technical knowledge exchange manager Harry Henderson.

The UK beef suckler herd is set to contract by 10 per cent because of rising input costs and a lack of clarity from all Governments about future policy direction, an industry leader has warned.

Speaking at the Hybu Cig Cymru conference, David Henig said the nature of the changes going on around the world meant every producer or exporter was facing existential challenges

The Government has been accused of failing its leading animal welfare facility, leaving UK farming, trade and health facing a ‘significant threat’ from disease, according to a report published this week.

The future of farm support in England has been plunged into uncertainty once more, as Defra appeared to tear up its Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme plans.

The need to achieve global sustainable food production while addressing the ongoing climate emergency took centre stage at COP 27’s Adaptation and Agriculture Day.

The European Union is considering increasing its farming budget in order to boost food security, leading to calls for the UK to do the same.

Industry leaders have issued a plea for support with energy prices to be extended beyond March next year.

Former Defra Secretary George Eustice has hit out at the Government’s trade agreement with Australia, saying it is ‘not a good deal for the UK’.