Defra

In today's Farming in Five, chief reporter Rachael Brown looks back at the top news stories of the week, including the Chancellor's Spring Statement, the Defra Secretary facing criticism for visiting only four farms since Labour's General Election win, concerns around the end of funding for Producer Organisations within the soft fruit sector, and King Charles and the Prince of Wales out and about supporting British farming. She also looks ahead to next week, when the Farming Minister will make his first appearance before the Efra Committee to answer questions on the SFI suspension and ongoing industry concerns

Berry growers raise concerns amid funding review

In the more than eight months since Labour won the election, the Defra Secretary has visited four farm businesses

While Ms Reeves was quick to quell any rumoured tax rises, she did not back down on the measures introduced in the Autumn Budget, including the family farm tax

Defra said the Food Strategy Advisory Board was the 'first step in a wider engagement strategy'

Almost one-quarter of family businesses have cut jobs or paused recruitment since the Autumn Budget

It has been rumoured Defra's budget could be on the ‘chopping block' in the Comprehensive Spending Review

Will new funding be enough to support farming and rural communities from crime?

Jason Hollands, of wealth management firm Evelyn Partner, said another area that could be subject to an 'overhaul' was the lifetime gifting regime

RPA chief executive Paul Caldwell said he leaves the agency in a 'great position' to further maximise grant-making and deliver for its customers