Most sectors of agriculture saw a fall in profits in 2012/13 compared to the previous year. This is according to the latest Farm Business Survey (FBS) results released by DEFRA. These results relate to England and update the provisional ones released earlier in the year (see February article). The FBS works on February/March year ends […]
DEFRA’s consultation on CAP reform in England was published on the 31st October. This gives some clear pointers on how the new subsidy arrangements are going to work in England. Although titled a consultation, a number of key decisions have already been decided by Ministers. A brief summary of the key decisions already made are; […]
The Scottish Government has released a bold dairy strategy with the aim of increasing milk production by 50% over the next 10 – 12 years. The document, proudly called ‘Ambition 2025’, contains nineteen recommendations to help achieve this aim. It can be found at – http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/0043/00434082.pdf The Rural Affairs Minister, Richard Lochhead, commissioned a review of […]
The whole farming industry needs to work harder to attract new talent into the sector. This is the conclusion of a new study Commissioned by DEFRA, entitled the ‘Future of Farming Review’. Led by David Fursdon, a group with experience in farming, business and education have been gathering views from all over the country since the review was […]
The planning rules in England will be relaxed as from the 30th May to allow easier re-use of farm buildings. A change in the ‘Permitted Development Rights’ rules will allow buildings up to 500m2 that were in agricultural use as at 3rd July 2012 to be used for a variety of other purposes. These include […]
DEFRA has published a number of statistical releases in May, including ones looking at farm management practices and farmer intentions. Farmer Intentions The Farmer Intentions Survey 2011/12 was published on 2nd May, the results are obtained from the Farm Business Survey (FBS). It looks at what ‘major changes’ farmers intend to make in their businesses. Major change […]
All milk used in the UK Starbucks coffee shops will now be Cravendale milk from Arla’s Hatfield and Stourton plants. Previously the contract, reported to be in the region of 16m litres (although not confirmed), was supplied by Dairy Crest. Starbucks has said it has decided to change to Cravendale because it will get ‘fantastic quality […]
DEFRA is giving a boost to rural training through the current Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE). Two initiatives have been announced. The Skills and Knowledge Transfer Framework will see £20 million available to allow around 90,000 people working in the agriculture, horticulture and forestry sectors to attend subsidised courses. Training will be focussed on […]
Customs data shows UK wheat imports since the start of the grain marketing year (1st July) far ahead of exports. 1.342 million tonnes were imported versus 512,000 tonnes exported giving a net trade position of 830,000 tonnes imported. Exports are about a third of those by this time last year and imports are about three […]