Efra Committee

In today's Farming in Five, chief reporter Rachael Brown takes a look at industry concerns following the Government's decision to refuse the emergency application of the use of neonicotinoid pesticide, Cruiser SB, on sugar beet in England for 2025, farmers are urged to be extra careful as Storm Eowyn hits the UK, and the Efra chair calls for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister to look at 'potential mitigations' to the inheritance tax reform

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Carmichael said that ‘deep concern' is fuelling low confidence and morale levels in the agricultural and wider rural community and that he would like to meet with the PM urgently to discuss ‘potential mitigations'

Howes Percival partner Stuart Maggs, said it was ‘disingenuous' to suggest the only people impacted by this policy are the ones having to pay tax, highlighting many farmers who will spend ‘thousands if not tens of thousands' on legal fees in response to the policy change

MPs will hold the first evidence session of this inquiry next week, scrutinising the potential impacts of proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief and Business Property Relief

The committee said it wanted to ensure it is hearing from people and organisations that are affected by Defra's responsibilities

Efra chair Alistair Carmichael accuses Defra of wanting to see an end to family farming

The Orkney & Shetland MP says he will be 'first in the queue' to let Government know if it is not doing what it should

The Committee intends to question United Utilities and South West Water in an evidence session on June 5

The Efra Committee have called on the Government to place soil health on the 'same footing' as water and air quality within Government policy

Trade industry says what is needed is a co-ordinated UK-wide approach to food and markets