Steve Reed

Minister defends Labour's agricultural policies as he faces bruising first Efra Committee appearance

With foot-and-mouth disease cases confirmed in Germany, Hungary and Slovakia over recent months, Defra has been urged to decisively strengthen the UK's border security

Defra Secretary Steve Reed has made previous commitments that Labour would not 'sell out' farmers in any future trade deals. Will the Gov now keep its word?

FG reader Hugh Wroth, from Wiltshire, shares his views on the current Labour Government's farming policies

Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy has criticised the previous Conservative Government for failing to protect rural and farming communities from flooding

In today's Farming in Five, chief reporter Rachael Brown looks back at the top news stories of the week, including the Chancellor's Spring Statement, the Defra Secretary facing criticism for visiting only four farms since Labour's General Election win, concerns around the end of funding for Producer Organisations within the soft fruit sector, and King Charles and the Prince of Wales out and about supporting British farming. She also looks ahead to next week, when the Farming Minister will make his first appearance before the Efra Committee to answer questions on the SFI suspension and ongoing industry concerns

In the more than eight months since Labour won the election, the Defra Secretary has visited four farm businesses

Will new funding be enough to support farming and rural communities from crime?

RPA chief executive Paul Caldwell said he leaves the agency in a 'great position' to further maximise grant-making and deliver for its customers

Mr Juniper, former president of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts and adviser to King Charles, has been reappointed as chair of Natural England for a third term