Defra

Minister defends Labour's agricultural policies as he faces bruising first Efra Committee appearance

With foot-and-mouth disease cases confirmed in Germany, Hungary and Slovakia over recent months, Defra has been urged to decisively strengthen the UK's border security

Government says plans to redefine 'deep peat' will protect human health and environment

Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy has criticised the previous Conservative Government for failing to protect rural and farming communities from flooding

Defra Minister Daniel Zeichner will be probed about the early closure of SFI and Defra's communication with the industry on key changes to farming policy

The Government has imposed livestock bans on Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and now Austria

Farmer Richard Watts said: "Rising costs in wages, National Insurance, and energy are putting immense pressure on small and family-run farms"

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