Politics

Strange claims about trade deals with other countries increasing UK farmers’ use of insecticides must be taken with a pinch of salt, says Adam Speed, head of communications at the Crop Protection Association (CPA).

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.

UK agricultural exports are facing the prospect of crippling EU tariffs from the end of this year, with the Government said to be ‘close to abandoning hope’ of reaching a trade deal with the bloc.

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.

Support for British farmers has soared to a record high as a result of their efforts to keep the nation fed during the coronavirus pandemic, a new survey has revealed.

Farmers may benefit from extra demand from the Eat Out to Help Out measures designed to encourage people to return to restaurants, cafes and pubs.

Scottish Government is once again to offer loans scheme to farmers and crofters ahead of them receiving 2020 Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) funding.

Confidence must be restored in Welsh Government’s ability to support rural communities in the post-EU era after it incurred fines for mishandling funds, says Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS and Plaid Cymru Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs.