Business News

As Storm Agnes is set to kick off this storm naming season with winds of up to 75mph in many parts of the UK, NFU Mutual is urging farmers to act now and protect their farms before it is too late.

We live in a fast-paced and changing world where the ever-increasing demands on our food production systems and environment have never been greater. Society faces the dichotomy of needing safe, wholesome, and affordable food whilst at the same time having to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect and increase biodiversity, and regenerate agricultural cropping systems.

A technical leaflet published by Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) outlines how farmers with organic certification can combine the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship (CS) schemes to increase payments by up to 50% compared to historic BPS rates.

AHDB has welcomed a pioneering study by UK scientists that demonstrates the need for using multiple metrics, such as GWP*, to accurately assess the climate impact of methane from livestock for better policymaking.

Progress paves the way for a more streamlined and evidence-based approach to regulating food and feed products developed using new precision breeding techniques, NIAB says.

The prime minister has announced a series of row backs on the government’s net zero plans, covering electric cars, new boilers and home upgrades, as well as a proposal to tax meat consumption.

NFU president Minette won the Dairy UK Award this month, for raising the profile of a wide range of agricultural issues with government and the media.

As rural crime continues its unrelenting spread across the UK, the NFU is calling for greater protection for farmers and landowners as National Rural Crime Action Week gets underway.

Farmers can now apply for Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme to get paid for taking action to protect and enhance the environment while producing food sustainably and profitably.

NFU Cymru’s Rural Affairs Board has voiced concerns that farmers’ finances may take a hit when transitioning to the new interim environment scheme, designed to fill the gap between the end of Glastir and the start of the Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2025.

The AgriScot Business Skills Competition, sponsored by NFU Mutual and supported by Scotland’s Rural College, looks to support aspiring young professionals by encouraging them to think about the skills required to manage an agricultural business, whilst also connecting them with mentors and networks, to help with their personal and professional development. 

Hundreds of farmers have signed a petition demanding more support for England’s uplands from the government and increased entry into higher-tier payment schemes to help producers deliver ambitious land management targets.