Politics

The independence of the new Trade and Agriculture Commission has been questioned as Farmers Guardian revealed its press operation will be carried out by officials at the Department for International Trade (DIT).

Scottish and UK Ministers have locked horns in a bitter battle over the future protection of food standards.

Only 3 per cent of farmers trust the Government to invest enough money in nature-friendly farming after the coronavirus pandemic, new research has shown.

Industry leaders have reacted angrily to comments from the new Trade and Agriculture Commission chairman, who called for an end to the ‘alarmism’ around chlorinated chicken and hormone-treated beef on his first day in post.

UK farmers do not need a comprehensive trade deal with the US to capitalise on American opportunities, NFU international trade director Nick von Westenholz has said.

The Government has announced who will sit on the Trade and Agriculture Commission, with all farming unions across the UK represented.

The UK’s relationship with the EU is the most important one for the farming industry, but it’s amazing how many people forget that, says Oliver Dowding, arable farmer and agricultural spokesman for the Green Party in the south west.

As an Irish farmer, it is disappointing to see my UK counterparts are unwilling to get out on the streets to protest to protect food production standards, says County Meath beef farmer Eamon Cassells.

Welsh Government must learn lessons from the coronavirus crisis and change course on its post-Brexit agriculture policy, focusing more on food, says Rachel Lewis-Davies, NFU Cymru’s national environment and land use adviser.

As the Agriculture Bill passes through the House of Lords, peers will be seeking to make changes to strengthen it in several areas, says Baroness McIntosh.