AGP Executive Report

Pest Control Push: A new RNA-interference biopesticide is set for field testing at the John Innes Centre to target cabbage stem flea beetles in oilseed rape, aiming for highly targeted control and potentially non-chemical options for UK growers. Harvest Pressure: Farmers are starting harvest earlier after dry, fast-maturing conditions, with the usual mix of excitement and anxiety as machinery runs hard in tinder-dry fields. Planning Reform for Energy: The UK will remove mandatory pre-application consultation for major infrastructure projects from 24 July, cutting approval timelines and speeding up delivery for wind, solar, reservoirs and data centres. Nature Payments Uptake: Farmers snapped up a quarter of a £60m nature payments fund within the first 24 hours, signalling strong demand for schemes that support land management. Horticulture & Inputs: A spring malting barley variety has gained full approval for distilling, while UK OSR growers get a potential new route to flea beetle control. Farm Diversification: Devon farms are seeing fresh diversification and commercial-use opportunities, with new listings highlighting mixed income potential from land and buildings.

Motor Finance Redress Delays: The FCA has partially suspended parts of the UK’s £9bn car finance compensation scheme after legal challenges, meaning mis-sold borrowers could wait until at least 2027 for payouts (avg. about £829), with a key Upper Tribunal hearing due in Dec 2026 or Feb 2027. Water Safety Crisis: In Devon, at least seven children fell ill after swimming in the River Dart following a 16-hour sewage spill by South West Water, reigniting pressure on river water quality and enforcement. Farm & Food Recognition: Ayrshire hill farmer Cora Cooper has won a national sustainability award, highlighting biodiversity and climate benefits from native-breed sheep farming. Rural Land Use Fight: Campaigners in North Devon are opposing plans for a major AI data centre and battery storage on productive farmland near Great Torrington, warning it could permanently damage countryside character and food security. Energy Storage for Net Zero: Highview is progressing a battery energy storage system at Hunterston PARC, aiming to store wind power and support grid balancing. Agritourism & Skills: North Yorkshire farmer-led initiatives are opening doors for the next generation of agricultural talent, with more farm-focused community activity planned.

Planning enforcement: Northumberland’s Whitehouse Farm has been served a second enforcement notice, this time ordered to remove a covered walkway built for Christmas events without planning permission. The council says ecology damage is “regrettable”, while the farm says it’s trying to pivot to an alternative event. Dairy health on robots: Updates to the Mastitis Control Plan for automatic milking systems focus on three common problem areas, starting with the collecting yard—drainage, loafing space and limits on cows in the milking box are key. Young farmer spotlight: Farmers Weekly has named its 2026 Young Farmer of the Year finalists, featuring three under-30s driving change on family farms in Yorkshire, Cumbria and Ayrshire. Harvest inputs: Standing straw auctions across England report firmer demand for winter bedding, but with bidding “slightly easier” than last year as improved crop prospects may temper prices. Livestock markets: Cattle prices in the UK are edging up on tight supplies, with trade activity strongest in northern England and parts of Scotland.

Offshore Wind (UK-linked): Føn Energy Services has won a long-term, multi-million-euro O&M contract for the Baltic Power offshore wind project in Poland, covering subsea balance-of-plant work (foundations and cables) plus environmental surveys—another sign of fast-growing offshore activity in the region. Animal Welfare (Scotland): Scotland’s glue trap ban is now fully in force, making it a criminal offence to use, supply or possess glue traps from 1 July, with penalties up to £40,000 and/or 12 months in prison. Farm Policy & Regulation (UK): A new law and fines target households laying pest traps, as enforcement ramps up alongside the glue trap crackdown. Food & Farming (Global, pesticide fight): The US EPA has approved two fluorinated pesticides never before used on American corn and soybeans, sparking renewed health and legal controversy—an issue UK growers and retailers will be watching for knock-on market pressure. Agribusiness (NI investment): Invest NI says its support helped secure £764m of business investment in 2025–26 and backed thousands of jobs, including in agri-food. Market Context (Cost pressure): New analysis shows UK grocery baskets remain among Europe’s most expensive, underlining ongoing cost strain for households and food demand.

Arable & Crop Health: Winter barley growers are debating barley yellow dwarf virus tolerance versus resistance after a high-pressure season left some varieties showing unexpected symptoms, with agronomists pointing to stresses like nutrition, earlier drilling and other viruses overwhelming genetic protection. Farming Policy & Support: DEFRA-backed work continues to target farm resilience and cost-cutting, while arable farmers are being invited into Defra-funded crop trials and wider programmes aimed at improving profitability and delivery. Rural Economy & Events: More than 1,400 pupils took part in farm open days near Kendal, and the UK’s farming calendar keeps building momentum with festivals and “farm in a box” style initiatives bringing agriculture closer to communities. Food & Retail Costs: Sainsbury’s says inflationary pressure is easing but not fully gone, warning supply-chain uncertainty could still feed through to shoppers. Livestock & Transport Disruption: Cows wandering onto rail lines caused major delays on busy UK routes, underlining how farmyard incidents can quickly spill into wider infrastructure. Wildlife & Land Use: A major new report calls for urgent action to protect farming in the Fens, while habitat work is credited with boosting species such as black grouse in Angus Glens.

Heatwave Watch: Europe’s record-breaking heat is pushing the UK toward another potentially brutal spell, with warnings that early July could reach 41C—prompting urgent advice for gardeners to move patio plants and protect seedlings from sun and drying winds. Rail Disruption (Livestock): A herd of cows escaped onto the West Coast Main Line in Staffordshire, blocking the route for more than three hours and causing major delays and cancellations for services between Scotland and London. Food Safety Data: The Chilled Food Association has launched the UK’s first industry-wide E. coli intelligence database for fresh produce and irrigation water, building a national hygiene baseline using weekly submissions from growers. Rural Services Under Threat: Residents in Kent fear the loss of two rural post office branches housed in Morrisons Daily stores, raising concerns for older customers who rely on the local hub. Farm & Land Restoration: Cumbria’s Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery Project is hosting guided walks to showcase peatland and river restoration progress, including new wood pasture for cattle. Jobs & Industry: Wheel maker Moveero has closed its Telford site after a failed buyer search, making 98 workers redundant. UK Farming Supply Chain: Tesco extends its Future Farmer Programme for another three years, backing the next generation of growers. Renewables Scrutiny: A green thinktank warns that a Reform UK chair appointment to a Welsh environmental committee could weaken ministerial scrutiny over climate and rural affairs. British Barley to Flights: Hawkstone beer brewed from British barley is now served on British Airways, with the brewery citing a push toward using 100% British hops by 2028.

Heat & farming resilience: UK growers are being pushed to adapt as extreme weather bites, with reports highlighting how delaying drilling too far can raise risk on heavier soils, and how “sprinter” wheat types are being developed to extend sowing flexibility into late autumn. Livestock & disease pressure: TB remains a major threat to livestock businesses, with commentary stressing how breakdowns can halt movement and crush cashflow via testing and knock-on effects. Policy & funding: A major shift in English farming policy is flagged as aiming to make agriculture more profitable and resilient, while Wales is set to open applications for the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme (with an expanded focus on small farms and newcomers). Environment & land use: DEFRA has announced a £50m investment to protect and restore UK peatland, alongside calls for better planning and consultation on large-scale solar farms and farm pollution rules. Offshore wind & rural impacts: Buchan Offshore Wind appoints Kent as owner’s engineer for an Aberdeenshire floating wind project, with Scotland’s consent decision expected by end-2026.

Water Quality & Farm Inputs: A draft Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) 2027-2030 is out for consultation, with farmers saying the last version was impractical and the new one aims to cut water pollution while staying workable on-farm. Peat & Environment Funding: DEFRA has announced a major investment to protect and restore UK peatland, framed as helping biodiversity and resilience. Livestock Health: Wales is rolling out new rules to help eradicate cattle disease, while Northern Ireland is expanding bovine TB controls with mandatory blood testing. Rural Events & Working Traditions: The NI Farming with Nature Transition Scheme opens for applications on 30 June, and the Irish National Sheepdog Trials return to Co Tyrone in late August, spotlighting working dogs and rural skills. Trade & Market Signals: UK lamb exports are reported to be climbing in Q1 as demand strengthens across Europe. Policy & Tax Pressure: NFU leadership warns inheritance tax changes could be revisited under political uncertainty, urging ministers not to reopen the debate. Food Supply Stress: Extreme heat is again flagged as a risk to UK food supplies, with warnings around chicken availability. Industry & Processing: Kepak has launched a staff consultation after an operational review at its Wales meat processing site.

Poultry Biosecurity: UK readers will be watching bird-flu risk closely as H5N1 is reported in Australia for the first time in new areas, prompting tighter controls in the poultry sector and raising the spectre of culls and export disruption if it spreads. Arable Disease Watch: Wheat growers are being urged to rethink variety choices as a more aggressive yellow rust strain makes control harder, with experts pointing to the need for mixing varieties and improving resistance management. Grazing Water Solutions: Farmers are increasingly using solar-powered pumps to keep livestock watered on remote or low-pressure land, helping reduce pressure on mains supplies and improve grazing flexibility. Pasture Tech in the UK: Aimer Farming is rolling out its pasture intelligence system in the UK after testing with local dairy farms, aiming to speed up and standardise pasture measurements for better feed and rotation decisions. Rural Livestock Health: Northern Ireland is stepping up TB blood testing for cattle, reinforcing ongoing efforts to protect herd health and reduce disease spread. Wildlife & Livestock Conflict: Calls for better predator prevention are growing after a cougar attack on livestock, with guidance focused on securing animals and reducing easy hunting opportunities. Farm Innovation Funding: Defra has added another £53m to farm innovation, backing new approaches as extreme weather pressures intensify. Show Circuit Update: Record livestock entries are reported at Newry Show 2026, signalling strong interest in breeding and trade despite wider market uncertainty.

Heatwave & Farm Costs: Europe’s record-breaking heatwave (over 40°C in parts of Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic) is being linked to climate change and is already stressing power systems and household budgets—raising the odds of higher insurance and wider knock-on costs for UK agriculture. Brexit Trade Pressure on UK Farmers: A Wiltshire beef farmer warns that post-Brexit trade deals are flooding markets with cheaper meat, pushing down farmgate prices while supermarket prices stay steady—risking “British food” disappearing from mainstream shelves. Northern Ireland Livestock Welfare: A NI farmer has been banned from keeping animals for life after dozens of cattle died following appalling cruelty and welfare failures. Rural Safety Tragedy: A Scottish farmer died after a tractor overturned in a Fife field, with family tributes highlighting his role in the local community. Organic Salmon Under Scrutiny: The Soil Association says it may strip organic status from Scottish salmon firms over unacceptable standards, including mortality and environmental concerns. Water Quality Funding (NI): UFU backs a £49.3m Lough Neagh catchment programme but says support must be practical and properly funded for farmers. UK Weather Disruption: Thunderstorms caused major Heathrow/Gatwick flight delays and cancellations, stranding tens of thousands of passengers. Showbiz With Farm Tie-In: Clarkson’s Farm continues to draw global attention, including renewed coverage of its “Diddly Squat” tourism pull.

Northern Ireland Bovine TB: Daera will introduce mandatory interferon-gamma blood testing from 29 June for some cattle herds, including those with 10+ skin test reactors, with positives leading to compulsory slaughter and compensation. Farm Education Funding: Defra’s Capital Grants scheme opens in July, offering eligible English farmers £363 per funded school visit (VED1 Educational Access), with up to 25 visits a year under a three-year agreement. Livestock Health & Management: The policy aims to catch infections earlier than skin tests, reducing spread and shortening breakdown durations, while noting a small false-positive risk. Crops & Seed Choice: AHDB Recommended List updates add Arlington as a full Group 1 breadmaking wheat, with strong disease resistance and improved performance in trials. UK Food Supply & Prices: A UK-focused market snapshot shows rising prices for key kitchen staples in the week, including eggs, while some meat and flour prices ease. Heatwave Pressure on Agriculture: Across Europe, record heat is driving drought and health crises, with knock-on risks for outdoor farming and water use. Wimbledon Water Stress: Wimbledon’s iconic hydrangeas and petunias may be replaced as heatwaves strain irrigation, a reminder of how drought-friendly planting is becoming mainstream.

Heat & Farming Risk: A record-breaking European heatwave has pushed Britain to its hottest June readings (36.1C in Gosport, then 36.9C in Suffolk), with knock-on disruption to schools, transport and power, while scientists warn extreme heat is becoming more likely. Livestock Numbers: AHDB analysis of British Cattle Movement Service data shows a “developing pipeline” as GB cattle totalled 7.48m head by April 1, 2026 (down 0.8%), with dairy-beef male calf numbers supported by sexed semen. Food Safety Recall: The FSA has ordered recalls of 13 fruit products sold via major supermarkets and cafés after possible salmonella contamination linked to apple and kiwi ingredients. Trade & EU Policy: Reports say Keir Starmer has dropped a manifesto pledge to ban foie gras imports to secure an EU reset deal, meaning domestic production remains banned but imports continue. Agri-Education & Outreach (NI): LMC has launched “Farm In A Box” for primary pupils in Northern Ireland, using hands-on farm-to-fork materials to teach beef and lamb. UK Farming Innovation: Early study results highlight progress in Scottish regenerative barley systems. Agri-Tourism: A new Farming for Nature Festival in Ireland spotlights practical, lower-chemical approaches—mirroring growing interest in nature-friendly farming events.

Heatwave hits UK agriculture: Suffolk smashed June temperature records again, with 37.3C logged at Santon Downham and multiple breaks across the day, prompting urgent public-health advice and raising pressure on farms and livestock. Livestock welfare in extreme heat: Alpacas at Hilly Ridge Alpaca farm in Wattisham were hosed down, walks suspended, and animals sheltered as the village hit 36.9C—one of the hottest June readings on record. Dairy health practice: Irish dairy research found fore-stripping can boost clinical mastitis detection by up to 146%, suggesting routine use of strip-cup checks could improve early action and reduce spread. Farm safety near infrastructure: A Linewatch report says agriculture is the highest-risk sector for underground pipeline safety, with fencing the leading cause of breaches and many incidents occurring on farmland. Water and climate risk context: Commentary warns climate hazards are already disrupting operations and supply chains, pushing UK agriculture to plan for more frequent extremes. Trade and farm-tech angle: A Yorkshire water-saving valve maker, SealStop, pitched to Indian buyers in London as part of a push ahead of a UK-India free trade deal.

Nature Recovery Rollout: UK ministers unveiled a “whole estate” nature plan for sites across England, including airfields, barracks, prisons, courts and transport corridors, with peatland rewetting, forest planting and wildlife corridors plus £4m “lighthouse” pilots. Northern Ireland Rural Support: DAERA opened a £4m Rural Business Development Grant Scheme for 2026/27 (50% capital support up to £7,500) via local councils, closing 30 July. NI Skills Investment: Fane Valley will put £1.1m into workforce skills across Northern Ireland, covering sales, leadership, supply chain and digital training. Animal Health & Services: DAERA veterinary industrial action continues, with vets withdrawing from on-farm TB testing and certification duties, raising risks for meat export checks and live animal movements. Heatwave Pressure on Farming: Europe’s extreme heat is hitting food systems, with France reporting massive poultry deaths and disposal capacity strain. Pig Sector Warning: The independent pig sector faces a potential autumn market gap, with processors’ contract cuts leaving up to 10,000 pigs a week at risk of no buyers. Solar Power in Agriculture: Centrica started commercial operations at its 18MW Rolleston Park Farm solar project in Burton-on-Trent, supporting the wider renewables build-out. Countryside Hunting Debate: Countryside Alliance says it faces mass opposition to a proposed trail hunting ban as the Defra consultation ends and a response is awaited. Wildfire Prevention: North Yorkshire launches “Don’t Spark Disaster” to curb wildfire risk during summer, targeting barbecues, cigarettes and glass disposal.

Defra & Farming Roadmap Delivery: UK ministers have added another £53m to the farming innovation pot, as the 25-year Farming Roadmap faces pressure over whether it can be delivered on the ground. Heatwave Pressure on Food & Farms: Britain’s record June heatwave is already disrupting daily life and raising alarms for agriculture, with livestock heat deaths in transit reported as a warning sign for future extremes. EU–UK Pesticide Reset Talks: In EU-UK reset negotiations, Brussels is pushing to ban pesticides immediately, putting British farmers at risk of being left out of pocket if there’s no transition period for products and stockpiles. Arable Resilience: A virus-resistant winter wheat variety, Goldfinch, is performing well on the South Downs, helping growers cut fungicide and insecticide costs while tackling BYDV pressure. Offshore Wind Money in Wales: The Crown Estate says Wales generated about £200m-plus in profits largely from option fees tied to the Mona offshore windfarm, with debate over whether those returns should be devolved. Policy & Supply Chains: Fairtrade research finds younger voters increasingly back climate action and stronger corporate rules, adding momentum to calls for fairer supply-chain accountability.

Heatwave impacts on UK farming and rural life: Record-breaking temperatures across the UK and Europe are driving school closures and wider disruption, with livestock and farm operations facing mounting heat stress as the weather stays extreme. Northern Ireland beef support: DAERA has started first-year payments under the Suckler Cow Scheme, with £13.3m going to 133,091 eligible calving events and 98.6% of eligible businesses receiving money. UK agri-policy and climate shift: Defra’s Farming Roadmap 2050 is being positioned as a response to intensifying extreme weather, while debate continues over pushing farmers toward lower-emission crops and livestock changes. Rural business and land use: A major warehouse expansion is proposed on agricultural land in Marchwiel, North Wales, raising questions for planning and land impacts. Wildlife and conservation: A critically endangered pancake tortoise has hatched at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk, offering a rare boost for the species. Global context with UK relevance: A legal push is underway to halt Uganda’s EACOP oil pipeline over wildlife and habitat risks, highlighting how energy projects can collide with conservation.