Research

Expanding from the original one-hectare plot to a 35-hectare autonomous farm is just one of the developments the Hands Free farm has achieved over the past six years

Questions surrounding labelling, animal welfare and the impact on devolved nations have been raised regarding the Government’s Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill, which had its third reading in Parliament this week.

Farmers are facing ‘less scrutiny’ as cost pressures see consumers ditch eco-credentials in favour of lower prices, new research has suggested.

The Government has announced it intends to cut red tape to make research and development of gene editing (GE) technology easier, following the UK’s departure from the EU.

Despite challenges brought on by Covid-19, Harper Adams University continues to make strides with its Hands Free Farm project. Jane Carley catches up with its progress.

The Government must fund more farmer-led research to ensure the industry becomes more resilient after leaving the EU, says Liz Bowles, associate director for farming and land use at the Soil Association.