Tag: DEFRA

Robot revolution hits the fields as £20 million funding announced

Stuart Mitchell

£20 million up for grabs to develop farm robots and automated systems that can plant, tend and harvest crops New funding will help develop robots and innovative technologies that can plant, tend and harvest crops, giving farmers a helping hand at busy times of year, Farming Minister Stephen Morgan announced today (Monday 3 August).  Innovative agri-tech businesses can now bid for a share of £20 million to collaborate with researchers and farmers to develop the next generation of farm automation and robots.  The cash boost will fast-track the development of automated technology that can do everything from…

Read More

New support to help farmers thrive for generations

Stuart Mitchell

A new £30 million fund will help farmers reduce costs and build stronger businesses while improving our precious natural environment.   At the Great Yorkshire Show on 16 July, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds will highlight how the new Farmer Collaboration Fund will help farmers tackle shared challenges by backing practical, farmer-led collaboration through peer learning, specialist advice in key areas like soil management, local facilitators, and support for new groups. By working collaboratively and sharing knowledge and expertise, farmers can bring down costs, manage shared risks and improve soil and water across landscapes, helping build more resilient businesses while supporting nature. For example, farmers in the Cotswolds have clubbed…

Read More

New plan to make English farming profitable, productive, sustainable and resilient

Stuart Mitchell

For the first time in this country’s history, the government is today committing to the future of farming beyond the next harvest, ending years of uncertainty with a landmark roadmap that marks the most significant moment for English agriculture since the Second World War.  Farmers produce around 65% of the nation’s food, manage 70% of England’s land, and underpin the £153 billion agri-food sector recognised as Critical National Infrastructure. With the growing impacts of extreme weather and climate, Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s Future sets out how farmers can adapt through nature-based solutions such as improved soil health and water management. …

Read More

£290m for simpler, fairer, more accessible farming schemes

Stuart Mitchell

Farmers in England will soon be able to apply for the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26), a simpler and fairer scheme designed to support family farms and meet the challenges of modern farming.  Developed with farmers and industry, SFI26 is backed by £240 million for new agreements, building on more than £560 million already committed. The scheme cuts red tape and pays farmers for taking practical steps that benefit their land – such as improving soil health, keeping waterways clean, and creating space for wildlife.  Applications are scheduled to open from 30 June 2026 for two groups: small farms and farms without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement.…

Read More

New Social Media Campaign Urges DEFRA to Legislate Against Cages

Stuart Mitchell

On last months World Egg Day, Compassion in World Farming has launched a new social media advertising campaign, aimed at mobilising consumer pressure on DEFRA to legislate against caged systems for laying hens. Timed to start on this global awareness day celebrating eggs, the six-week campaign features a compelling animation that starkly contrasts the life of a caged hen with one that has more freedom to engage in natural behaviours like flapping, perching and dustbathing, once released from confinement. The initiative forms part of Compassion’s wider programme to end caged…

Read More