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Defra Announces Taskforce To Strengthen Flood And Drought Resilience
Farming representatives will join a new Flood and Drought Resilience Taskforce as Defra seeks to improve preparations for extreme weather. The group is due to meet for the first time on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Floods and Drought Minister Emma Hardy will bring together representatives from more than 50 organisations, including the Environment Agency, Met Office, mayoral authorities, emergency services and the farming, water and insurance sectors. Its opening meeting will a
Two In Five Farmers Surveyed Have Considered Quitting As Costs Squeeze Profits
More than two in five farmers surveyed in Britain have considered leaving agriculture because of financial constraints, according to McCain Foods' latest Farmdex research. The survey found 42% had considered leaving, while 40% questioned whether they would still be farming in ten years. However, the proportion considering leaving was lower than the 51% reported in McCain's inaugural 2025 survey. Policy uncertainty was negatively affecting farms for 86% of respondents, while 8
Maersk Raises UK And Ireland Inland Fuel Surcharge To 20%
Maersk will raise its emergency fuel surcharge for inland transport in the UK and Ireland to 20% from 12 October 2026, citing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The Danish shipping and logistics group announced the change on 8 October, according to Reuters, and said the rate would be reviewed regularly. The increase concerns inland transportation rather than ocean freight rates. For fresh produce businesses using the affected services, the change could increase the cost
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Sarah-Jayne Gratton
Red Tractor Film Puts British Food Producers In The Spotlight
Red Tractor has launched a farmer-led film, with fruit and vegetable growers among the voices showcased, to celebrate the skills, responsibility, and pride behind British food production in a bid to raise consumer awareness. Released on 6 October, ‘Proud to Farm’, recognises the contribution of more than 40,000 British farmers and growers assured by Red Tractor, and explores the different roles they perform, from food production and crop management to running businesses, main
Lidl Steps Up Price Cuts For Christmas After Record £400m Investment
Lidl GB has committed a further £75 million to customer savings through its Lidl Plus loyalty programme as the discounter ramps up its value offer ahead of the Christmas shopping period. Image: Lidl GB The investment comes alongside £400 million already spent this year on price cuts and promotions across more than 1,200 products covering a range of everyday essentials, including seasonal fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, reports Retail Times. Of the additional £75 million
86% Of British Farmers Cannot Plan Ahead Amid Growing Uncertainty
More than eight in ten British farmers feel unable to plan for the future, and over two in five have considered leaving agriculture, according to new research which calls for technology, sustainable practices, and stronger government support to secure the sector’s future resilience. Research from McCain Foods’ second annual Farmdex survey found that financial pressures, policy uncertainty, and increasingly unpredictable weather are growing concerns for British agriculture. So
Felix Launches Surplus Berry Smoothie Alongside Pledge To Rescue More Produce
Food redistribution charity Felix has partnered with B.fresh, BerryWorld, and Strawsons to launch a smoothie made from surplus berries and carrots, as it reveals plans to increase the volume of fruits and vegetables it rescues and redistributes across the UK to 175,000 portions in 2026. Image: B.fresh Foods The food redistribution charity has worked with with B.fresh, BerryWorld, and Strawsons to create a small batch of smoothies from surplus berries and carrots that may othe
New Research Targets Disease Threat To UK Potatoes, Carrots, And Other Crops
A major new research project is set to investigate bacterial plant diseases spreading across continental Europe that could pose a future threat to UK potato, carrot, sugar beet, and grapevine production in an effort to protect UK food security. Led by Keele University and funded jointly by the government and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the four-year project will focus on improving grower preparedness for potential outbreaks before the diseases become established in the
Nigel Jenney Stands Up For Global Fresh Produce Trade As Brexit Reset Debate Deepens
The FPC chief executive has highlighted the risks to Britain’s global fresh produce supplies as industry leaders debate the consequences of a proposed UK-EU food agreement. Fresh Produce Consortium chief executive Nigel Jenney has put the protection of Britain’s global fresh produce supply chains at the centre of the Brexit reset debate, warning that closer ties with Europe must not penalise trade with the rest of the world. Speaking to iNews, which reported on Conservative p
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