Food & Drink

Pumpkins might still be seen as a quintessentially American crop, but the last 30 years have seen their slow, steady rise in the UK arable sector. This rise has led to a now booming industry providing diverse income for farms across the UK.

Critics have noted that there are few specific measures to help farmers in the Chancellor’s latest budget, however some announcements could offer a boost to certain sectors. Farmers Guide took a look at the key points…

Following the recent launch of the Trade and Agriculture Commission, NFU president Minette Batters expressed “frustration” that the government has failed to move on from “warm words” to “practical and deliverable measures” in safeguarding the UK’s high standards.

The UK’s farming, food and drink industries have been under threat following the recent CO2 supply shortage.

Over a quarter of all meals eaten at home in Britain are consumed for health reasons – with the market worth an estimated £26.5 billion, growing eight per cent year-on-year.

Defra has unveiled new plans to enable the use of gene editing technologies, to help farmers grow crops that are more nutritious, productive and resistant to pests and disease.

A new report has highlighted the importance of communicating the health benefits, flavour and versatility of red meat and dairy – as figures show consumers are increasingly health-focused.

For the first time since 1989 the US may allow the importation of British Lamb. Following comments from Boris Johnson, UK farming bodies have reacted to the news.

The government has made an agreement with CF Fertilisers, to allow it to reopen one of its plants amid soaring gas prices, following concerns over imminent food shortages.

The government has announced a series of steps to help UK farmers access the UK’s export potential.

British farmers and food producers are set to benefit from access to a valuable new market, as Mexico has now officially opened its doors to British pork for the first time. British exporters can now tap into this brand-new market, which boasts high demand for high quality pork meat.

Perfectly healthy pigs will end up being destroyed and wasted unless the Government takes urgent action to alleviate crippling staff shortages, NPA chief executive Zoe Davies has warned.