This week's 6 top farming stories

From what we know about the new Defra Secretary Steve Reed to our exclusive interview with Red Tractor interim chair Alistair Mackintosh - these are six farming stories not to miss this week on FG

clock • 2 min read
This week's 6 top farming stories

What do we know about Labour's Defra Secretary Steve Reed? Mr Reed said a Labour Government would listen, respect and work in partnership with farmers and producers, ensuring they played a valued part in decision-making. 

 

Barenbrug, who specialise in grass variety breeding and production for UK agriculture, and the team at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) grass breeding programme based at Loughgall, Co Armagh, are looking ahead to the needs of the UK's livestock farmers in 2050.

 

Red Tractor interim chair and Cumbrian farmer Alistair Mackintosh said regaining farmer confidence was a challenge he was keen to 'step up to', acknowledging it had been lost. He said "the senior leadership team and professionals in that office deliver what these boards tell them it is not the other way round. Although some farmers feel it is. But I promise you it is not."

This week in her 'from the editor', Olivia Midgley discusses how high food security should be in Sir Keir Starmer's "in-tray that is bursting with priorities."

 

Much greater levels of research and consultation, especially with livestock farmers, are necessary to weigh up the delicate balance of pros and cons around reintroducing apex predators.

 

After Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party secured a majority Government on July 4, the Agricultural Industries Confederation has analysed how the election result could shake-up rural Britain and farmers.

 

 

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