Farming Minister

National Sheep Association policy manager Emma Owen said it was important to have ‘some standardisation across the carcase classification process and reporting, bringing the sector in line with the licencing requirements of beef'

The Government confirmed 43,000 temporary seasonal worker visas would be available for horticulture in 2025 – which is 2,000 fewer than was available in 2024

"There will be no family farms left"

It is part of a package of measures announced by the Government, which Defra said would provide ‘certainty' for the horticulture and poultry sector

"The unequivocal case for an increased, ring-fenced and multi-annual UK farming budget was made clear once again"

NFU Scotland vice president Andrew Connon said: "Any changes to this area of the hard-won milk contract legislation have the potential undermine a crucial cornerstone of the regulations around pricing and exclusivity and act against the best interests of dairy farmers"

UK traders will now be able to export poultry to South Africa for the first time in eight years

Defra estimated an ASF outbreak could cost the UK between £10 million to £100 million

"Bluetongue can have serious consequences for farmers"

Mr Ireland also said clauses in tenancy agreements for ‘agricultural use only' must change as they do not fit with the ‘entrepreneurial' ambition of tenants