From the editor: Sheer insanity to believe farming is not critically important to UK

WHEN Minette Batters stood on the NFU conference platform last week and declared that throwing our world leading welfare standards on the funeral pyre of global trade would be ’morally bankrupt’ and ’insane’, she meant it as an admonishing challenge to Government, not as something to aspire to in wider policy construction.

Ben Briggs
Ben Briggs is the group publisher and editor in chief of Agriconnect, overseeing the media business and titles such as Farmers Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming.
clock • 2 min read
From the editor: Sheer insanity to believe farming is not critically important to UK

When Minette Batters stood on the NFU conference platform last week and declared that throwing our world leading welfare standards on the funeral pyre of global trade would be 'morally bankrupt' and 'insane',...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Business

Welsh farmers warned 'no room for complacency' over bluetongue

Welsh farmers warned 'no room for complacency' over bluetongue

With 13 confirmed bluetongue cases in Wales, NFU Cymru has stressed the importance of vaccination and early reporting to control the spread of the virus

Rachael Brown
clock 19 August 2026 • 3 min read
Bluetongue warning to Welsh farmers

Bluetongue warning to Welsh farmers

AHDB have organised a meeting for farmers at Carmarthen Livestock Mart on August 27 to find out the latest information and guidance.

Rachael Brown
clock 18 August 2026 • 3 min read
Rural businesses call for long-term strategy after PM's £65m 'knee jerk' visit

Rural businesses call for long-term strategy after PM's £65m 'knee jerk' visit

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to the Southwest has shone a light on the issues facing many rural businesses, but some have criticised his ‘knee jerk’ reaction of a £65m funding announcement and have called for a more long-term strategy to help them grow

Olivia Midgley
clock 17 August 2026 • 3 min read