Politics News

The ‘new and improved’ Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 will start accepting applications from August, with an expanded list of actions and more flexibility, Defra has revealed.

Changes to ELMS will offer improved access for upland farmers, as well as improved options under Countryside Stewardship for 2023.

Taking on board the key recommendations of the Rock Review, Defra has today (24th May) announced new measures to support the long-term sustainability of the tenant farming sector, including the launch of a Farm Tenancy Forum and a consultation on appointing a Tenant Farming Commissioner in England.

Following the penultimate revision of the Agriculture (Wales) Bill on Tuesday 16th May, the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) is calling for further amendments to address concerns surrounding the economic viability of agricultural businesses and provide support to new and young entrants to the industry.

The NFU has cautiously welcomed the new deal with the CPTPP, saying it could provide opportunities for getting more British food on plates overseas.

A joint message has been issued from union presidents following summit in Belfast. The four leading agricultural organisations across the UK have repeated calls for UK Government to recognise food security concerns and extend the Energy and Trade Intensive Industry scheme (ETII) to include those sectors of agriculture heavily reliant on energy.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) regarded former Defra advisor Ben Goldsmith’s comments on sheep farming in the UK as ‘naïve’ and ‘uneducated’ in a statement issued to defend the valuable role sheep fulfill in the UK countryside.

Farming groups have criticised the government over plans to sign trade agreements with Canada and Mexico that will lead to low-welfare imports of beef and pork undercutting British producers.

At Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) 2023, policy campaigners from The Landworkers’ Alliance (LWA) and the Irish equivalent body Talamh Beo provided an update on what small farmers can expect from future subsidy payments across the four UK nations.

Following Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement of her resignation on 15th February, farming organisations expressed the need for stability and continuity in government leadership and for farming to be regarded as an area of high priority.

More than 100,000 supporters have signed the NFU petition calling for a total ban on sky lanterns in England and Wales due to the dangers they pose to the environment, livestock, and those living in rural areas.

Former dairy farmer and Defra farming minister Mark Spencer will take to the stage at next week’s Dairy-Tech on 1st February at Stoneleigh Park, setting out government plans for the sector.