Coronavirus

Consumers, it would appear, have rediscovered their love of local produce in lockdown. Whether it is the commitment to buy more local food, or the resurgence of the humble milkman and doorstep delivery, there certainly seems to have been a sea change since March of this year.

Farmers look set to benefit from a change in shopper habits brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, with new research showing 63 per cent of Brits are buying more home-grown produce. By Hannah Binns and Abi Kay

More farms were being marketed privately in 2020 but it remained to be seen whether this was a one-off in an extraordinary year

Further closures in meat processing plants cannot be ruled out, but extra measures by operators and co-operation with farmers will help keep shutdowns to a minimum, according to Nick Allen, chief executive of the British Meat Processors Association.

Ease and accessibility of virtual livestock sales has seen auction marts invest in digital technology in response to fluctuating Covid-19 restrictions.

Farmers must prioritise their mental well-being as they are the farm’s greatest asset, a new social media campaign has highlighted.

How will the next phase of the pandemic impact demand for food and what can we learn from previous recessions? Cedric Porter reports.

Defra Secretary George Eustice has said growers should look to hire hospitality workers who are set to lose their jobs during the pandemic to fill labour shortages.

Prices for store lambs and breeding ewes are flying at UK marts, with producers confident in the future, despite storm clouds gathering on the horizon

Farmers were reassessing their plans with uncertainty over what restrictions may be in place at Christmas