News in brief: December 2023

News in Brief 

As temperatures drop and Christmas approaches, it may feel as though the country is slowing down in readiness for festive celebrations. But for those still chasing a weather window to drill crops, or farms and estates with a commercial interest in the Christmas period, there is plenty of work to be done before they see in 2024. Here are some of the top news stories hitting the headlines this December.   

 

Consumer trust in British agriculture strong 

A recent trust and transparency survey undertaken by AHDB showed that consumer perceptions of agriculture remain positive, with over 60% feeling very or somewhat positive towards British agriculture over the past five years. The survey, conducted by Blue Marble in August 2023, also found that the environment is important to 51% of consumers when choosing food. AHDB has been tracking consumer trust and the effect on the environment since 2019. “Farmers continue to be the most trusted sector of the food supply chain with 71% of consumers agreeing that farmers are ‘trustworthy’, compared with supermarkets and food processors scoring 50% and 41%,” reveals Vanessa Adamson, AHDB Retail and Consumer Insight Manager. “Consumers also rank famers significantly above other areas across the supply chain for their expertise, animal welfare and caring for the environment.” 

Thousands of farm businesses receive final BPS payment 

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed that 97% of farmers received their final BPS payment in the first few days of the payment window. This means that a further £525 million has now been released into the rural economy, building on the advance payments made in August this year. RPA Chief Executive Paul Caldwell said: “Delinked payments will provide financial support over the next four years as we encourage farmers and land managers to enter our environmental land management schemes where they will be paid to take actions that will support sustainable food production while protecting the environment.” 

 

Bluetongue cases rise 

At the time of writing, 23 cases of bluetongue have been identified on nine different holdings in Kent. The initial outbreak was detected in one cow on 11 November near Canterbury, but the original 10km temporary control zone has since been widened by Defra following confirmation of further cases. The virus is usually transmitted by midge bites and affects cows, goats, sheep and other camelids such as llamas. Defra has urged farmers to remain vigilant and report any suspicions to APHA. “Bluetongue does not pose a threat to human health or food safety, but the disease can impact livestock farms, and cause productivity issues," Christine Middlemiss, the UK’s chief veterinary officer, said. “This detection is an example of our robust disease surveillance procedures in action, and it is also a clear reminder for farmers that the disease remains a threat, despite coming towards the end of the midge activity season.” 

 

Consortium launched to push carbon capture 

The Centre for High Carbon Capture Cropping is a four-year, £5.9m project, led by crop science organisation NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany). It aims to help UK farmers and growers target net zero and build farming resilience through diversifying their arable and forage cropping. Research will focus on four cropping options, including rotational cover crops and annual fibre crops such as industrial hemp and flax. Perennial food, forage, and feed crops – including cereals and herbal leys – will also be explored, in addition to perennial biomass crops, such as miscanthus, willow and poplar. Further work will optimise the production and use of renewable biomaterials for fibre, textiles, and construction and develop carbon insetting and offsetting platforms. “One source of opportunity for farms to build resilience and get a return on investment from diversification, is emerging carbon markets”, says NFU chief science advisor Dr Helen Ferrier. “This project contributes to a route for farmers in supplying fibres and feedstocks from high carbon capture crops.” 

 

Government announces funding for innovation

New Defra Secretary Steve Barclay unveiled £45 million worth of funding for farming innovation in his first major speech since the cabinet reshuffle. The amount will be split between the Farming Investment Fund and Farming Innovation programme. Speaking at the Country Land and Business Association Rural Business Conference in London, Mr Barclay said: “My pledge to you is that this government will always back British farmers who produce some of the highest quality food in the world, contribute billions to our economy, and to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude for taking care of our countryside.”