Carl Atkin-House

ICYMI Fenland SOIL are proud to have launched the Andersons Eastern Ltd Independent Review outlining measures needed to enable Fenland farmers to reduce their carbon impact while maintaining food production. The report, which was commissioned by Fenland SOIL, and supported by the NFU (National Farmers'​ Union), calls on government to develop a pathway of investment through mapping, feasibility studies and support grants. Daniel Cross, MD of Dyson Farming shared his thoughts on the report: “The commentary in the report on the need to reform IDBs is accurate, but we need to be more ambitious. Drainage boards need reforming, with an improved funding model and more ambitious goals and powers if we are going to rewet areas and manage flooding. Water management across the UK is poor, we don’t store water well and we don’t prevent flooding either, but with longer term approaches we can avoid situations of flood and drought.” You can read the summary report here: https://lnkd.in/eqk3rRnp And see news of this report in the media: https://lnkd.in/esgRFqpe   https://lnkd.in/egzZPFAu   https://lnkd.in/ebWVbJGu   https://lnkd.in/ec2hKrzj

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Today, Fenland SOIL is pleased to launch Andersons Eastern Ltd's Independent Review outlining measures needed to enable Fenland farmers to reduce their carbon impact while maintaining food production. The report, which was commissioned by Fenland SOIL, and supported by the NFU (National Farmers'​ Union), calls on government to develop a pathway of investment through mapping, feasibility studies and support grants. Dr Tina Barsby OBE, CEO of Fenland SOIL said: “It is evident that current agri-environment scheme incentives are too limited in their scope.  “Recent indications from Defra lowland peat workshops suggest that Defra thinking is not moving at sufficient pace to encompass the scale of change and opportunities envisaged in the Lowland Agricultural Peat Task Force report and examined in the case studies in this new independent report, commissioned by Fenland SOIL. “It is hoped that policymakers will take heart from the farmer-led initiative shown by Fenland SOIL in leading the development of a framework and pathway for farmers to consider change and support that change through providing the necessary scale of investment required. Fenland SOIL will welcome the opportunity to work with government to put more detail into the concepts outlined here.” Read more about the report and see the summary here: https://lnkd.in/eqk3rRnp

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Departing HTA President talks of the challenges ahead - Retiring HTA President Alan Down gives a frank assessment of the achievements and challenges facing environmental horticulture and the Association. https://lnkd.in/erBW9G3u #gardencentres #horticulturenews #gardenforumheadlines #sustainability

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🆕 In our latest blog, ‘Revisiting an End to the Agricultural Commodity Era,’ Luke Pritchard, Deputy Director of Nature Based Solutions, shares his insights on the journey towards a resilient and low-emissions food system. Our recent research carried out with partners the Food and Land Use Coalition (FOLU) and WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development, reveals the costs and benefits associated with tackling agriculture and land-use change emissions for businesses. The reports were created after the teams noticed a lack of direction and knowledge on the scale of investment needed to transform the food system in line with a 1.5 degree pathway. The research revealed the private sector could mitigate a substantial 9 gigatons of CO2 equivalent annually for $205 billion per year. But this requires companies to re-think how they interact with stakeholders throughout their supply chains to ensure investments get to the right place. 🔗 Read the blog here: https://lnkd.in/edBNYxw9 🎥 Watch ‘How Can Businesses Secure a More Sustainable, Equitable and Resilient Future for the Food Sector?’ for more information: https://lnkd.in/eMRY7sNw #FoodSystem #SustainableAgriculture #ClimateAction

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Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in the Agricultural Job Market The UK Ag sector is facing numerous challenges impacting supply chains, profitability and talent acquisition. Stuart Goodinson, the Managing Director of De Lacy Executive Recruitment, shared his insights into current market conditions and how to navigate the UK Ag recruiting market. Check out his advice: https://lnkd.in/geV3nj2M #ThoughtfulThursday #EmployerAdvice #UKAg #UKRecruitment

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EXPANDED SUSTAINABLE FARMING INCENTIVE (SFI) OFFER DEFRA have announced the expanded SFI offer, which will be open to the wider farming sector to apply for from the 22nd July 2024. The new offer includes 50 simplified actions from Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier, as well as an additional 20 options, including payments for precision farming, practices to improve soil health, a new and expanded offer for upland farmers including more options for moorland, and additional actions for tenants on short-term contracts. The requirement for SFI applicants to be eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) in either 2022 or 2023 no longer applies to the expanded SFI offer. This means that groups that were not eligible for BPS are now eligible to apply for the expanded SFI offer. Options that directly take land out of food production will have the 25% cap rule applied, as with the existing SFI offer. Existing SFI agreement holders can apply for the expanded SFI offer provided they’re not being paid twice for a similar activity and the activities paid for under each scheme are compatible. The RPA are offering a controlled rollout, to test the service and gather feedback ahead of applications being open to the wider farming sector from 22nd July 2024. To apply for the controlled rollout, an expression of interest form can be submitted online. GFW Farm Consultant Sally Heath comments: “The removal of the requirement to be eligible for BPS in order to apply for the SFI will provide vital support to new entrants. In the past, the minimum term of environmental schemes has been prohibitive to tenants. The simplified actions from Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier and new options with a shorter minimum term in the expanded SFI offer means that tenants and those on short term contracts are able to access a scheme which could facilitate another income stream. The expanded upland offer will also increase accessibility to the scheme to diversify income for farmers in disadvantaged areas. Overall, this is a positive move.” For more information on the options available please visit: https://zurl.co/xEho #TeamGFW #Rural #SFI #sectornews #news #SustainableFarmingIncentive #NorthEast

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Introduction of a UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism from January 2027: Government response to the policy design consultation For those that missed this yesterday in the The Labour Party budget, imported fertiliser from January 2027 will be subject to a carbon price - think about that for a moment - we import 1M Tonnes a year in the UK for Agriculture alone. A natural fertiliser transition has started in the UK. For those of you interested in learning about our UK sourced, UK manufactured natural fertiliser with 99% less CO2 than synthetic fertiliser please get in touch for Spring 2025, 2026 and 2027 onwards. We can eliminate Scope 3 emissions from fertiliser use on farms, estates and forestry through the power of fungi and natural sources of nutrition. No need to import fertiliser anymore and if you do you will now be paying more for it! https://lnkd.in/eaD4ymJM

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The buy-and-lease farmland strategy has evolved from being predominantly closed-end to embracing open-end structures, marking a significant shift in approach while continuing to develop. #farmlandinvestment #farmland #agriculturemarket #agriinvestor https://okt.to/QdVU2X

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🌍 Scotland-Africa Agriculture Trade: Cultivating a Prosperous Future at International Trade Week 🌍 As we celebrate the vital role of agriculture in our economies, the trade between Scotland and Africa in this sector is proving to be incredibly valuable. From traditional farming to innovative agricultural technologies, our collaboration is fostering growth and sustainability on both continents. 🌟 Crop Production: Scottish expertise in crop production is helping African farmers increase yields and improve food security. By sharing best practices and advanced techniques, we're cultivating a more resilient agricultural landscape. 🌾 Livestock Farming: Our partnership extends to livestock farming, where Scottish innovations in animal health and breeding are enhancing productivity and sustainability in African agriculture. 🐄 Agri-Tech: The integration of agri-tech solutions is transforming agriculture in Africa. Scottish companies are at the forefront of developing technologies that optimise farming practices, from precision agriculture to smart irrigation systems. 🌱 Sustainable Practices: Together, we're promoting sustainable farming practices that protect the environment and ensure long-term productivity. This includes soil conservation, organic farming, and sustainable water management. 🌍 Food Processing and Supply Chains: Our partnerships also span food processing and supply chain management, ensuring that agricultural products reach markets efficiently and safely. 🥦 Research and Development: Joint research initiatives are driving innovation in agriculture. By working together, Scottish and African researchers are developing new crop varieties, pest control methods and climate-resilient farming techniques. 🔬 We'd love to hear your thoughts on the Scotland-Africa agriculture trade. Share your insights in the comments below and let us know how we could help! 👇 Find out more about the sectors we support at the Scottish Africa Business Association ➡️ https://buff.ly/3AqDPhV #Scotland #Africa #tradeweek #soldtotheworld #internationaltrade Department for Business and Trade

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AHDB - Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board have released the first of four reports which evidence the current competitive English production standards for the Beef & Lamb sector! Our Chief Exec Jonathan Statham has been part of four industry experts who have played a role in reviewing the methodology and approach for such an important comparative review. The independent reports will help inform the future direction of the industry by comparing the voluntary assurance standards and regulatory requirements of the English Beef & Lamb sector with other key suppliers from around the world. https://bit.ly/3X8NbHM

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The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched an investigation into the agreed acquisition by Boparan Private Office, parent to the 2Agriculture business, of the Burston and Radstock #feed mills owned by ForFarmers UK. The divestment of Burston in Norfolk and Radstock in Somerset is part of the ForFarmers business reorganisation announced in early 2024, to reduce underlying operating expenses. The purchase agreement with 2Agriculture, subject to regulatory clearance, was expected to complete in the final quarter of 2024. #2Agriculture #Competition&MarketsAuthority #ForFarmersUK

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VCS Agronomy collaborate with the British Onions Producer Association and Industry, to Tackle Fusarium. 📻 You can hear more on BBC RADIO 4 ‘Farming Today’ at 5:45am Fri 3rd May https://lnkd.in/gau3wsSx Independent Vegetable crop specialists, VCS (UK) Ltd are collaborating with British Onions Producer Association Ltd (BOPA) to combat Fusarium Basal Rot (FBR), a significant threat to the UK onion industry. This venture, named "FUSED: Integrated Fusarium Early Diagnostic and Management," aims to revolutionise FBR detection and control, safeguarding onion crops and enhancing the sustainability of the industry. FUSED Project 🔬 A £1M, 24-month research project targeting every stage of onion production. Objectives: Through cutting-edge technology and comprehensive research, we're working to; 🔍 Develop pre-planting FBR risk assessment methods. 🌾 Implement field and harvest techniques for detecting infected onions. 📦 Identify early signs of infection in storage. With a goal to reduce FBR prevalence by 50%, potentially saving millions in annual losses. Benefits to Growers and British Agriculture: 1. Enhanced Sustainability 🌿 By equipping growers with effective strategies to detect and combat FBR, the project aims to enhance the long-term sustainability of the UK onion industry. Reduced crop losses contribute to a more stable agricultural sector and support the livelihoods of farmers. 2. Environmental Benefits 🌎 The project's focus on advanced sensor technologies and molecular diagnostics not only aids in FBR management but also promotes environmental sustainability. By minimising the need for chemical interventions and optimising resource utilisation, the project aligns with broader efforts to reduce agriculture's environmental footprint. 3. Reduced Reliance on Imports ✈️ With improved onion crop yields resulting from decreased FBR prevalence, there may be a reduction in the need for onion imports, supporting local production and reducing dependence on foreign markets. 4. Technological Advancements 🚀 The adoption of innovative technologies and research findings from the project equips onion producers with advanced tools and knowledge to combat FBR effectively. This empowers farmers to make informed decisions, optimise crop management practices, and improve overall farm productivity. 5. Financial Relief 💰 Onion growers currently face significant losses due to FBR, with crop losses reaching up to 40% annually, costing the industry more than £10M. “Innovation and Collaboration are core values at VCS Agronomy and Origin Enterprises, and we’re delighted to be involved in a project that can make a significant difference to UK farming.” Dr  James A. Fortune Research Consultant Agronomist - VCS Agronomy B-hive Innovations Ltd G's Group Moulton Bulb Co. Ltd Stourgarden Bedfordshire Growers University of Warwick RSK ADAS LIMITED Crop Health & Protection - CHAP UK Agri-Tech Centre THE ALLIUM & BRASSICA CENTRE LIMITED

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@theAHDB has recommended to ministers that residual potato levy funds be used for industry projects and is now pending ministerial approval. With the full support of potato organisations, GB Potatoes will strategically deploy these funds to address industry challenges for the benefit of the whole GB potato industry. Scott Walker, GB Potatoes Chief Executive said: “Recent years have witnessed a marked downturn in both seed and ware potato production due to escalating costs and the substantial risks undertaken by growers. In response to these challenges, GB Potatoes has been established with the aim of promoting cooperation throughout the potato supply chain. Our proposed initiatives are designed to confront industry obstacles, nurturing resilience and are for the benefit of the entire supply chain. To provide oversight, on project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, we will establish an industry advisory committee comprising industry stakeholders to work with GB Potatoes to ensure that all growers benefit from the residual levy funds”. Read the press release https://lnkd.in/eafhe_Sx

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The inability of the managed grazing dairy sector to scale has resulted in farms that are widely dispersed and largely overlooked. We aim to change that through a five-year $4.7 million USDA-NRCS Partnership for Climate Smart Commodities.

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