Politics

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.

The Government’s decision to set up a Trade Commission should have cooled down the debate on food standards, but instead it has heated it up, says Tim Lang, professor of food policy at City, University of London and author of Feeding Britain.

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.

Farmers should not worry about Brexit, but the coronavirus, which could kill off many small agricultural shows and sever the rural community’s links with wider society, says Dave Herbert, a South Welsh smallholder producing eggs and poultry.

As the UK prepares to sign trade deals with several countries, including the USA, concerns have grown that the food service sector may move to take advantage of low standard imports in future. Abi Kay reports.  

Defra Secretary George Eustice has reinforced food production will be central to future agricultural policy, in a virtual address at the Great Yorkshire Show (GYS).