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Japan is seeking to minimise access to its market for UK food products in any post-Brexit trade deal, a leading expert has warned.

Reinforcing the crucial role of farming to politicians has not always been an easy task, especially for those with predominantly urban constituencies. The coronavirus pandemic has, however, forced many with with only a fleeting interest in agriculture to re-engage with the industry and the vital work farmers do in feeding the nation.

An amendment to the Agriculture Bill which would have banned low standard food imports from entering the UK was defeated in the House of Commons by 51 votes last night.

Refusing to extend the deadline for EU trade talks will weaken the UK’s position and play straight into the hands of the US and others, says Dr Nick Fenwick, FUW head of policy.

British potato stocks were 20 per cent higher at the end of March than at the same point last season, according to AHDB estimates.

The Agriculture Bill returning to Parliament this week is an important step in the UK’s departure from the EU, setting out the route to a new, more tailored system of agricultural support, as well as providing the basis for U

Livestock transport has become big business as supply chains have become increasingly diverse and, with animal welfare rightly at the fore during developments, the practice itself has experienced some change over the years. H

Moving the UK towards self-sufficiency in food will undermine the country’s ability to bounce back from future shocks, a University of Leeds academic has claimed.

A good payment scheme will be vital to secure farmers’ post-Brexit future, but other pieces of work on the supply chain, trade and Food Strategy will also be key, says Vicki Hird, farm campaign co-ordinator at Sustain.

Farm groups have hit out at the Government’s readiness to abandon a zero tariff trade deal with the EU.