Iani A. CHIHAIA’s Post

UK food and farming under threat 🚜🚨 By Ian Mean, Business West Gloucestershire director Here in Gloucestershire, many farmers are really on the brink after the wettest year for 150 years which has devastated their business. It is timely, therefore, that the Prime Minister’s second Farm to Food summit is being held at Downing Street this week. The food and farming problem really is serious, and I don’t think we realise just how serious. Fields in our county have been totally waterlogged to the point where you couldn’t get a tractor on the land-it would just sink in. As a result, winter wheat was not planted, and an enormous amount of straw has not been produced which provides the feed for dairy farmers’ cattle during the winter. The over-riding problem is that farmers have now got to take about 20 per cent of their land out of production to meet all the government’s Green economies. Continue reading... https://lnkd.in/e-RVEu25 #agriculture #farming #food #ukbusiness #economics #risk #threat #businessnews #businessintelligence

#backbritishfarmingday As an arable farm, we are proud to be part of an industry that isn't just about producing food; it's about managing the land, preserving our countryside, and contributing to local communities. Britain’s arable farms are responsible for growing the grains, pulses, and oilseeds that feed our nation and underpin so many other industries. From the wheat in our bread to the barley in our beer, arable farming is integral to the daily lives of every Briton. As stewards of the land, we are working tirelessly to produce high-quality crops while striving to maintain and enhance soil health and biodiversity. By buying British-grown produce, it helps ensure that these efforts can continue, securing a future for farming that is both environmentally and economically sustainable. By backing British farming, you're not just supporting farmers—you’re supporting the entire ecosystem of businesses, communities, and families that rely on it. Let's continue to champion British produce, protect our agricultural heritage, and ensure that arable farming remains a vibrant part of our economy for generations to come. #FRSFarming #thetfordfarmestate #backbritishfarmingday #farmersweekly

Farming is one of the most demanding livelihoods there is. But like us, farmers know that difficult is worth doing. That’s why we’re committed to partnerships that are fair and collaborative. We’re a proud Living Wage employer. But our responsibility doesn’t end there. We want everyone in our supply chain to be paid a fair price for their hard work. And according to a poll last year by the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, 88% of the British public agree with us. When it comes to pricing, honesty is everything. We talk through any increases that come about due to variables. We don’t drive our farmers down on price. Instead, we come to mutually beneficial agreements. And if there are problems, we work through them together. We’ve worked directly with organic farmers since day one. So we understand how labour-intensive organic growing is. And we believe that everyone should be making a profit. We’ve built long-lasting partnerships (some measured in decades) and are always looking for ways to back them further. You can read more about how we give our farmers a fair deal in our blog: https://lnkd.in/esgyi4Hu #Farming #Organic #Sustainability #Environment

New figures from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs reveal a concerning trend in farmers' confidence, with half not feeling positive about their future in farming. Of those making changes, a quarter plan to reduce business size, and 14% intend to exit farming in the next three to five years. The government emphasizes the need for revamped farming schemes to support all farmers, including those often overlooked, like small, grassland, upland, and tenanted farms. Secretary of state Steve Reed outlines plans to boost stability, prevent undercuts in trade deals, and enhance food security. The government's initiatives include optimizing Environmental Land Management schemes, seeking a new veterinary agreement with the EU, safeguarding farmers from trade undercuts, and backing British produce through government procurement. The focus is on driving rural economic growth, ensuring fair supply chains, and enhancing flood resilience and nature recovery in a just and equitable manner. Steve Reed Farmers Guide The Labour Party Aleksandra Cupriak #Farming #Agriculture #RuralEconomy #FoodSecurity #EnvironmentalManagement

GPA is urging growers to be alert, vigilant and proactive to reduce the risks of spray drift. Ongoing wet weather and seasonal challenges are spurring on weed growth and requiring spray chemical applications in a time when spray drift is a concern. The need to remain vigilant and follow best practice standards is vitally important to GPA’s members and essential to ensuring grain producers can retain access to important crop protection products. GPA Southern Grower Director, and RD&E Spokesperson, Andrew Weidemann, said whilst the majority of grain producers do the right thing when applying these products, according to label requirements, whilst factoring-in local weather conditions, there was no room for complacency. MORE -> https://lnkd.in/gsKXxwTh WAFarmers Grain Producers SA NSW Farmers AgForce Queensland TasFarmers Grains Research and Development Corporation

"The progressive greener dream for UK farming has died." "Any kind of progressive vision for rural Britain needs farmers in their thousands to be agents of change — which is impossible when they’re under vast financial pressure. When the government cuts farmer support, it reduces the amount of “public goods” in the country — which crudely means less hedgerows, less wetlands, less birds, and less insects. It is profoundly self-defeating." #Food #Farming #Wildlife #Biodiversity #NaturesRecovery #FoodSecurity https://lnkd.in/eeX2m8F8

Today, we pause to recognize the invaluable contribution of farmers to our supply chain. Their tireless efforts are the cornerstone of the FMCG sector, providing the raw materials that fuel our industry. Without farmers, the shelves that stock our essential products would be empty. Their dedication ensures a steady supply of food products that are transported across vast distances by our logistics teams, often under challenging conditions. Let's express our gratitude to the farmers who work tirelessly to feed our communities. Together, we can ensure a sustainable future where agriculture and transportation continue to work hand in hand. #agriculture #farming #farmers #agribusiness #sustainability #foodsecurity #agricultureindustry #farmlife #ruraldevelopment #foodproduction #logistics #strongertogether #thankyou #gratitude #agricultureeducation #agriculturalengineering #agriculturelife #agricultureworld #supplychain

Call to Action: Supporting Farmers in the Face of Unpredictability The recent "biblical" rainfall, which washed away freshly drilled crops and flooded grain stores, highlights the urgent need for a robust response to climate volatility in UK agriculture. Farmers like Andrew Robinson and Adam Lewis are grappling with increasing uncertainty, struggling to protect their livelihoods against extreme weather events. It’s time for the UK government act decisively and corporates to support collaboratively. By providing targeted funding and incentives for sustainable farming practices, we can help farmers build resilience through regenerative agriculture, improved drainage systems, and land management programs like the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). This support would not only mitigate risks but also promote practices that protect the environment and enhance soil health, ensuring long-term food security. Let’s push for a farming future that’s both profitable and sustainable. We owe it to our farmers—and to the future of our food supply. #SustainableFarming #ClimateResilience #UKAgriculture #SupportOurFarmers https://lnkd.in/eG5gbAwT

The UK’s farming industry is facing a perfect storm of policies and economic pressures that are threatening its future. Here's a breakdown of key changes that could see UK farmers being pushed out of business – and the impact on livestock farming. 1️⃣ Inheritance Tax Changes & Agricultural Property Relief: Recent updates to inheritance tax laws are making it harder for family farms to pass down to the next generation. This would force many to become unviable or sell their farms. 2️⃣ Methane Reduction Targets: The UK government has committed to reducing methane emissions by 30% by 2030 – and the majority of this burden will fall on farmers, especially those in livestock production. 3️⃣ Stricter Slurry Regulations: Wales has imposed a 100% Nitrogen Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) status, and England is not far behind with a 55% NVZ that is currently “under review.” The new slurry rules (limiting nitrogen to 170kg per hectare annually) would push stocking rates down to less than 1.2 cows per hectare, far below England’s current average of 2.5 cows per hectare. This makes it economically unviable for many farmers to continue. In the Netherlands, farmers are getting bought out based on 100% of the farm’s estimated business value, including production rights and site closure costs. UK farmers are being driven out through economic means. This is more than just a policy issue – it’s a fight for the survival of livestock farming in the UK. The government must reconsider its approach before we lose our farming heritage, food security, and rural communities. We are standing up for British farming to ensure it thrives for future generations. The road ahead is tough, but together, we can keep UK farming alive. 🧑🌾🇬🇧 #BackBritishFarming #NoFarmersNoFood #SaveOurFarms

Fruit Fly Infestation Impacting Fresh Produce Prices South Australian farmers are grappling with rising costs and disruptions due to ongoing fruit fly infestations. The spread of this pest is affecting the availability and pricing of fresh produce, leading to significant challenges for the agriculture sector. 🔍 Key Points: - Increased Costs: Farmers are facing higher expenses for pest control measures and compliance with quarantine regulations. - Supply Disruptions: Infestations are reducing the availability of certain fruits, leading to higher market prices. - Long-term Solutions: The agriculture industry is calling for more support and sustainable solutions to combat the fruit fly problem effectively. Stay informed about how these challenges are impacting your fresh produce and what measures are being taken to address the issue. Source: https://lnkd.in/g-djbzfF #Agriculture #FruitFly #FreshProduce #Farmers #SouthAustralia #MarketTrends #BrentnallsSA #Brentnallsagribusiness