AGP Executive Report

Offshore wind policy and jobs: A new RenewableUK/Opinium analysis says offshore wind job growth hotspots in England and Wales overlap with seats likely to elect Reform and Conservative MPs, with the sector projected to support 40,000 jobs now and 95,000 by 2030. Biosecurity and farm risk: Imperial launched a Biosecurity Network of Excellence to tackle rising threats to human, animal and plant health, as leaders warn risks are becoming more complex and frequent. Welsh bird disease alert: The RSPB is urging people to reduce trichomonosis spread at garden feeders, with advice on feeding gaps and regular cleaning. Arable performance: Farmers Guide reports KWS Arnie is confirmed as the top Group 2 winter wheat on the 2026/27 AHDB Recommended List, citing strong yield and flexibility. New crop trial push: DEFRA and Innovate UK back “The Mill-it Project” to test proso millet as a UK spring-break crop for human food, with field trials in Kent and Bedfordshire. Local nature and land use: Rushcliffe Borough Council will consider turning three Nottinghamshire green spaces into nature reserves, including former farmland turned Meadow Park. Rural community policing: Sussex Police and the NFU met at a Mid Sussex rural crime roundtable focused on livestock attacks and practical prevention steps. Showcase for farming: Royal Cheshire Show opens today, spotlighting livestock, rare breeds and a farm-to-bottle dairy from Cheshire producers.

UK Farm Finance & Policy: Livestock gains lifted farm incomes by 20% in 2025, but crop revenues fell—keeping pressure on arable businesses. Northern Ireland Rural Support: Rural women and girls in Fermanagh and Omagh are the focus of a Community Led Review on rural violence, with research nearing its final stages. Storm Damage & Forestry: Storm Éowyn and later storms hit about 1,700 hectares across 33 forests in Fermanagh and South Tyrone; clearance is ongoing and expected to run for up to 18 months. Tree Cover Debate: DAERA says Omagh’s “tree desert” picture is mixed—some areas score high, but one urban locality scores lowest, linked to planned development. TB Strategy: A bTB transformation pilot won’t directly benefit Fermanagh farmers immediately, but is meant to shape future eradication policy across the island. Rural Shows Funding: Fermanagh Show received just £15,167.80 over five years, with no recorded funding in 2021–23 and only a small payment in 2025/26. Sustainable Growing & Packaging: A UK coir business launched, while Veg Power marks a “year of the cabbage” with partners—plus a seaweed coating concept aims to cut plastic in food packaging.

Barley squeeze: UK barley acreage is at its lowest in 16 years as weaker demand from brewers and distillers pushes farmers toward higher-yield crops like oilseed, raising concerns about future malting barley supply and price pressure. Livestock tech: 701x is expanding connected beef-cattle tools, including GPS-enabled ear tags that alert ranchers to health and reproductive signals. Salmon bottleneck: A new Scottish report argues salmon farming growth is being held back less by demand and more by complex regulations and slow consents, calling for strategic national support. Water quality for tourism: United Utilities has pledged a seven-year “super-sewer”-style plan to stop sewage and runoff reaching Windermere, aiming to protect freshwater life and the lake’s tourism value. Agri-food innovation & retail: Tesco is making electronic shelf labels permanent in trials, while the wider UK supermarket push signals ongoing efficiency moves that could affect how farmers plan supply. SAF engineering milestone: Worley has completed FEED for Alfanar’s Lighthouse Green Fuels SAF project in Teesside, moving the UK’s next commercial-scale refinery step closer to investment decisions. Rural community spotlight: Nottinghamshire’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Showcase returns with police, RSPCA and Environment Agency partners to tackle drone and wildlife crime. Honours for farming support: Northamptonshire farmer Milly Fyfe wins an MBE for field-to-fork education and support for farming families’ nutrition.

UK–Japan Deal: Britain and Japan have sealed a sweeping £18bn ($24bn) economic and tech partnership in London, including a £9bn offshore wind project and plans for a UK-Japan Frontier Tech Partnership focused on AI and semiconductors. Farm Labour & Heat Stress: A new study flags heat stress costs for farm workers globally, while UK-linked reporting highlights how climate pressure is already hitting agricultural labour and incomes. Farm Media & Rural Life: BBC Countryfile’s John Craven says it was once “very difficult” to get cameras onto farms, but farmers are now more willing to share—alongside renewed calls to boost UK food production. Agriculture Events & Community: Open Farm Sunday and other rural open-day activity continues to draw crowds, with more local show and farm-shop expansion stories pointing to steady demand. Animal Health & Biosecurity: Coverage also includes ongoing bluetongue risk warnings and reminders on preparedness. Policy & Support: Defra and farming bodies continue to push practical support schemes and training, including mental health outreach for isolated farming communities.

Wildlife Rescue: Derbyshire’s white-clawed crayfish are being moved in a “race against time” after signal crayfish and crayfish plague were found in a key brook, with Sea Life Centre Birmingham quarantining batches before release in Staffordshire. Food & Farming Awards: Fera Science is backing the York Press Food and Drink Awards 2026, spotlighting producers, farm shops/delis, independent bakeries and community food projects. Local Agri-Food Events: Northern Ireland’s Lurgan Show drew strong support and renewed focus on pressures like bovine TB and planning limits on farm diversification. Livestock Breeding Spotlight: Feizor Holsteins hit 12,000gns at an on-farm production sale in Lancashire, underlining continued demand for top dairy genetics. Farm Safety/Incidents: Firefighters tackled a blaze on farmland involving hundreds of hay bales and tyres, with crews damping down hotspots into Sunday. Native Birds: A greylag goose—ancestor of most domestic geese—was spotted at gravel pits, highlighting how native birds can mix with reintroduced flocks. Agritech/Scale-Up: Meatly says it’s building Europe’s largest cultivated meat facility in London, aiming to move from R&D to industrial production.

Invasive Pest Watch (Northern Ireland): AFBI researchers are setting traps and running a three-year programme to protect native ash trees from an invasive ash sawfly that strips leaves in May–June; they warn impacts can be fatal where trees are already weakened by ash dieback. Fisheries Sustainability (UK retail): Waitrose has become the first UK supermarket to suspend mackerel sourcing (fresh/chilled/frozen and then tinned) over overfishing concerns, saying it will return only when fisheries meet its standards. Food Policy & Health Labels (UK): Kellogg’s UK warns proposed changes could reclassify fibre-rich cereals like bran flakes as “less healthy,” potentially undermining years of sugar and salt reductions and affecting “junk food” advertising rules. Farm & Rural Events (Wales/England): The Caerwys Agricultural Show returns for its 44th year, while North Wales’ Ty Ucha Farm Fields hosted a packed day of livestock, machinery and countryside competitions. Weather & Crops (UK): Rain has eased some UK crop stress, but wheat and barley prices keep falling, adding pressure for growers. Agriculture & Trade (UK–EU): A new Labour EU deal is attacked as “astonishingly bad,” with claims it could raise costs for UK firms by pushing “dynamic alignment” with Brussels rules. Livestock Health (England): England’s bovine TB strategy points to vaccine rollout by 2030, aiming to reduce the disease’s long-running threat to cattle.

Fertiliser Shock: NFU president Tom Bradshaw warns Iran-linked disruption could trigger a “global fertiliser shortage” and an “unavoidable calorie crisis”, with UK nitrogen costs up about 30% to £485/tonne and fears some farmers may cut production if prices push past £500. Weather & Harvest Risk: UK food suppliers are bracing for a potentially strong El Niño, with forecasts pointing to knock-on effects for rainfall and agricultural yields that could lift prices on staples. Rural Water Safety: In Windermere’s Mill Beck, weekly testing plus Environment Agency checks suggest an unidentified source of faecal pollution; parents are advised children should not play in the water, and the issue is said not to be from farm run-off or septic tanks. Livestock & Markets: Prime lambs hit 585p at Darlington and £310 at St Boswells/Thainstone, while wool prices rose 10% in a month. Show Season: The Royal Norfolk Show goes “triple crown” with three national breed society competitions running together for the first time. Rural Crime: NFU Mutual reports a 4% drop in South East rural crime costs to £6.8m, though stolen vehicles and quad theft costs rose UK-wide.

Crop Science Breakthrough: UK researchers report wheat and other arable crops actively shape soil microbes, suggesting new targets for breeding and biological inputs to boost nutrient uptake and resilience. Farming Profit & Fertiliser: Guidance for Northern Ireland grassland says mixed swards with white clover (aiming for 20–30% clover) can cut chemical nitrogen use while keeping yields, improving intake and liveweight gains. Weather & Flood Resilience: A London beaver project shows how Eurasian beavers can turn former managed land into wetlands that store water and reduce flooding risk, with more UK trials planned. Farm Safety & Livestock Health: A reminder on harvest readiness includes practical farm safety advice, while separate coverage highlights ongoing animal disease monitoring and biosecurity responses. Rural Community & Access: Open Farm Weekend and Open Farm Sunday continue to draw crowds, keeping farming visible and connecting visitors with local producers. Business & Equipment: Buhler Versatile completes a deal to acquire Germany’s ATLAS Group, including UK operations, strengthening its European ag equipment footprint.

Crop Outlook: AHDB’s first post-planting survey for harvest 2026 shows barley down 12% to the lowest since 2010 (with spring barley driving most of the fall), while oilseed rape is rebounding and wheat edges up 3%—a shift that matters for malting and distilling supply. Livestock & Shows: The Royal Highland Show 2026 is gearing up with livestock entries up across the board, especially cattle and sheep, as breeders regain confidence after bluetongue-related uncertainty. Farmgate Economics: A Farmers For Action push argues “boom and bust” pricing is back, with suckler beef prices reported down to about £5.90/kg after last year’s higher levels, and calls for a UK-wide Farm Welfare Bill to stop supermarkets importing to force prices lower. Animal Health: Shetland vets warn sheep ticks may be increasing as warmer winters improve tick survival, raising risks for both animals and people. Malting Barley: RAGT says its new spring malting barley variety Arrow is gaining traction, with approval progress for distilling and expected brewing approval, aiming to take share alongside Laureate. Local Producer Competition: Farm shops and local producers in Coventry are leaning harder into online deals and promotions to compete with supermarket pricing pressure.

North Yorkshire Harbours Plan: North Yorkshire Council is set to approve a 10-year strategy to revitalise Whitby, Scarborough and Filey harbours to 2036, targeting ageing infrastructure and funding gaps while leaning into offshore wind supply chains, tourism and maritime training. Farm Walk Highlights Grassland Success: Co Down’s Henderson family farm (Kilkeel) is showcasing a multispecies grassland approach, with beef-sired heifer calves and breeding sheep managed for strong growth and efficient finishing. Beekeeping Crisis: Beekeepers in Queensland report varroa mites are overwhelming current treatment options, with resistance to synthetic methods driving major losses and pushing up costs. UK Policy Watch: England’s TB vaccine rollout is set for 2030 under a new strategy, as cattle disease control remains a key pressure point for farmers. Food Supply & Prices: Canada’s new $3.2bn food security strategy aims to cut grocery bills by reshaping how food is grown, processed and sold, including more regional “food hubs” to reduce reliance on big retailers. Market Signals: Wheat futures closed mostly higher after retreating from early gains, adding to a mixed week for arable outlooks.

Solar on Public Buildings: Warwick District Council has fitted 177 solar PV panels at Castle Farm Leisure Centre and 62 at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington, targeting about £14,000 a year in energy bill savings and cutting emissions by 21 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes respectively, alongside a 30% LED lighting upgrade. Open Farm Sunday (20 years): LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday marked its 20th anniversary with an estimated ~200,000 visitors across England, Scotland and Wales, with 283 farmers hosting (including a quarter as first-timers) to show the public nature-friendly farming. Bovine TB Vaccine Rollout (England): England’s bovine TB strategy points to a major vaccine push from 2030, aiming to tackle disease while ending the badger cull. Cocoa Rehabilitation (Ghana, Fairtrade Africa): Fairtrade Africa Network launched a farmer-led cocoa farm rehabilitation programme in Ghana to restore ageing farms in phases (200 hectares by 2027), protecting forest reserves as yields and prices fall. Farm Fire (Scotland): Firefighters are still tackling a major blaze at a potato farm building near Fearn Airfield Road, Easter Ross, with residents advised to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke. Habitat Funding (England): Government announced £30m over three years to restore or create wildflower meadows, wetlands and native woodlands across national parks and landscapes, supporting species like hedgehogs, dormice, bees and wading birds.

UK Farming & Food Policy: England is set to deploy a bovine TB vaccine by 2030 under a new strategy, with wider disease-control plans also in the spotlight. Livestock & Trade: Rabobank warns that rising milk supply is no longer paying for Irish farmers, while UK beef and sheep prices are supported by strong export demand. Pesticides & Health: A renewed push to restrict paraquat highlights ongoing health risks and the wider debate over pesticide safety. Rural Land & Development: Darlington councils approve a joint venture for a new garden village on old farmland, raising questions about farmland loss and infrastructure pressures. Wildlife & Farming Practice: Farmers in a national park are turning down lights at night to help wildlife—an approach that could also benefit crops. Conservation & Data: A UK-linked study on farmland bird numbers points to benefits from feeding and habitat management. Industry & Innovation: RHASS showcases farming’s next big ideas, while UK agtech funding and precision-spraying support aim to cut pesticide use. Community & Events: Open Farm Weekend returns in Northern Ireland, with more farms opening their gates for visitors.

Barley squeeze: AHDB says GB barley area for the 2026 harvest is set to fall to 930,000 hectares—down 12% on 2023 and the lowest since 2010—hit by weaker prices and reduced malting/brewing demand, while wheat and oilseed rape show modest rebounds. Salmon sales surge: Scotland’s salmon market is closing on £1.6bn, with 81,000 tonnes sold in the 12 months to April 2026 and value up 7.3% year-on-year, as shoppers keep choosing salmon. Bee health alert: Scotland confirms a first American foulbrood case of the year in a Kincardineshire hive, triggering 3km movement restrictions and tighter biosecurity checks. Meat industry legal win: UK High Court rules FSA slaughterhouse charges were unlawful, quashing hourly inspection rates in England and Wales—potentially affecting costs and viability. Fisheries under pressure: Moray Firth fishermen warn dredging linked to offshore wind works at Ardersier Port is damaging prawn and lobster catches, with claims of major debris and sand impacts. Farm health push (Wales): Britain’s Got Talent winner Hugh Thomas urges farmers to seek medical help after his heart diagnosis and triple bypass. Rural land vs development: Planning battles continue over housing on former agricultural land, highlighting how land-use change pressures countryside around major roads.

AI for Green Gas: BiofuelAi has won a £1m Manchester Prize for using decision-support AI to help biogas plants run smarter, boost renewable output and cut costs and carbon. Food Affordability Pressure: A Food Foundation report says healthy eating is nearly twice the cost per calorie, with the poorest households needing up to 85% of disposable income (and 85% for families with children) to meet the Eatwell Guide. Moorland Recovery Cash: Up to £3.2m is set aside to restore North York Moors peatland after the 2025 wildfire, including repairing firebreaks, stabilising slopes and restoring habitats. Moorland & Farming Community Links: The wildfire response involved firefighters from across England and volunteers from the farming community, underlining how land management and emergency work overlap. Livestock Market Snapshot (NI): Ballymena Livestock Market reported strong trade for beef cattle, with top prices including Limousin bullocks to £3,233 per head. Local Produce Business Continuity: A long-running New Britain produce market reopened under new ownership, keeping seasonal supply and local-farmer links going.

Flood Resilience Funding: Somerset is set to receive £50m for long-term flood protection for homes, farms and livelihoods after extreme rainfall and flooding earlier this year. Renewables & Rural Energy: Qair has reached financial close on its 46.51MWp Brecks solar farm in Nottinghamshire, with construction starting this month and operations due in Q2 2027. Food & Farming Community: Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend returns in Northern Ireland this Saturday and Sunday, with working farms opening for animal handling, machinery demos and local food. Agrifood Supply Chain Watch: Seafish reports UK seafood trade hit GBP 6.09bn in 2025, with higher prices and shifting supply patterns reshaping imports and exports. Agritech/Packaging for Produce: ULMA Packaging UK will showcase fresh-produce packing tech at the British Leafy Salads Association Open Day 2026, including a vertical bagging system aimed at protecting delicate crops and cutting waste. Planning & Land Use: Dorset Council has issued temporary road-closure notices for works around East Lulworth and Litton Cheney, affecting access and parking during maintenance.

Northern Ireland Tree-Planting Push: Supervalu and Centra’s Trees on the Land partnership has hit a 25,000-tree milestone, backing schools, sports clubs, farms and community groups with new planting and biodiversity work, including 250 trees at St Aidan’s High School in Derrylin. Farm Safety & Health Risk Debate: A new report links Parkinson’s disease risk to pesticide exposure, warning that farmworkers and nearby communities can be vulnerable when crop-dusting returns. Beef Market Watch: Beef trade is showing signs of steadying after a run of price drops, with processors holding base quotes and farmers urged to sell hard as slaughter supplies tighten. UK Travel Rules Scrutiny: Belfast Council plans to write to the UK Home Office over the Electronic Travel Authorisation, saying it is putting off thousands of Indian cricket fans ahead of major matches. Food Sector Climate Pressure: Research flags heat stress as a threat to UK food imports this summer, adding to wider concerns about food supply resilience. Farm Policy Timing: Defra is delaying a cattle traceability overhaul to 2027, extending uncertainty for livestock record-keeping plans. Open Farm Weekend (NI): Open Farm Weekend returns to Northern Ireland with family-focused farm visits and hands-on experiences. Agritourism & Rural Business: A piece highlights how agritourism and farm diversification can support rural businesses and future-proof farming.