Politics News

Defra has just announced changes that make it easier for farmers to grow hemp, maximising its economic and environmental potential. However, strict laws on cannabis remain in place.

Farm and estate property consultancy Carter Jonas has called for clarity over the tax treatment of land put into environmental schemes.

The NFU is calling for a halt to proposed rule changes that require growers to pay recruitment fees. The union fears that the new legislation could have a financially damaging impact on farmers. 

Farming groups have expressed relief that the government has listened to the sector’s growing fears that environmental schemes could pose a threat to food security.

A rural property expert encourages farmers to carefully consider to what extent they enter new environmental schemes after inheritance tax relief was extended in the Spring Budget. 

Hundreds of tractors took part in a go-slow farmer protest in London yesterday, demanding UK food security.

British farmers are set to bring the countryside to London during a protest that kicks off later today. 

Updates to environmental schemes that were announced in the Spring Budget have been welcomed by farming organisations.  

Co-op has become the latest retailer to announce adding a ‘Best of British’ section to its website. This will make it “easier and quicker” for customers to find locally produced food. 

There may be an end to farmer protests around Europe following the latest EU proposals set out for discussion on 26th March. 

In the Houses of Parliament this week, UK environment secretary Steve Barclay discussed easing rules for farmers who would like to diversify their businesses. The topic had been previously raised by celebrity and farmer Jeremy Clarkson. 

The NFU is urging MPs to back the ‘Buy British Bill’ and asks the new government to supply the public sector with more food from British farms.