Brexit Hub

The UK can lead the world in tackling our climate and nature emergency by protecting food production standards in law, but sadly, politicians do not seem to recognise this, says Martin Lines, chairman of the Nature Friendly Farming Network.

ELMS might not be shaping up to be the revolutionary scheme promised by Ministers, but my experience tells me reinventing the wheel may not necessarily be a good thing, says Efra committee chairman Neil Parish MP.

The National Pig Association (NPA) has warned any friction at the UK-EU border when the Brexit transition period comes to an end will hit exports of breeding stock and cull sows.

The British Game Alliance (BGA) appointed its new chief executive Liam Stokes in July. Abi Kay spoke to him to find out what his priorities are for the sector.

All Government departments must be aware that introducing friction at the UK-EU border will have a major effect on pig production, processing and herd health, says Ed Barker, senior policy advisor at the National Pig Association.

The Government’s Trade Bill has left MPs with less power to scrutinise trade deals and protect farmers than UK MEPs had in the EU, says Tim Farron, agriculture spokesman for the Liberal Democrats.

New Trade and Agriculture Commission member Shanker Singham has not always had the best reputation in the farming community. Abi Kay speaks to him to find out how he thinks UK farmers can be protected in a post-Brexit world.

The Defra family responsible for ELMs development is becoming too inward-focused, instead of looking out to farmers who will deliver their ambitions, says Julia Aglionby, executive director for the Foundation for Common Land.

Defra’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme is facing fresh criticism, after newly-shared documents suggested it will bear ‘more than a passing resemblance’ to old agri-environment arrangements.

The UK Government either does not appreciate, or care, about what Brexit is about to bring for farmers, says Deidre Brock, SNP Westminster spokesperson for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.