Author: editor

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Agricultural Inheritance Tax

It was my understanding that the IHT was introduced to tackle those investors buying up farms and agricultural land to

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Uncategorized

Inheritance tax on farm land is right BUT

Let’s be clear inheritance tax on farmland should be charged at 40% and not 20% with regard to purchases of

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Hort news

Plenty completes restructuring, emerges from chapter 11

Plenty Unlimited Inc, an innovative agricultural technology company with a unique indoor vertical farming platform, today announced that it has

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Hort news

Enza Zaden opens state-of-the-art R&D facility and new energy centre in Enkhuizen

With the launch of a cutting-edge expansion in Enkhuizen, Enza Zaden takes a major step forward in its innovation and

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Hort news

GB Potatoes joins HCP tosupport the British seed potato industry

GB Potatoes is pleased to announce they have joined Horticulture Crop Protection Ltd (HCP) on behalf of the British seed

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Hort news

Vagabond Wines wins best still wine at 2025 Independent English Wine Awards

Urban winery and wine bar group Vagabond has been awarded Best Still Wine at the 2025 Independent English Wine Awards (IEWA), as

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DEFRA

Government to introduce legislation on High Seas Treaty by end of year

• Bill to be introduced by end of year to enable ratification of the treaty

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Hort news

University of Leeds brings spring to life with JUB Holland’s Flower Designer App

Every spring, the University of Leeds bursts into colour with thousands of blooming bulbs – a much-loved signal that the

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Hort news

‘The Garden Wall’ unveiled at New Covent Garden Market

New Covent Garden Market has unveiled The Garden Wall, a striking commemorative installation celebrating the rich heritage, community and ongoing story of

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Hort news

Veolia supercharges Sustainability Fund with over £150,000 to mark fifth year

To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the Sustainability Fund is expanding its criteria to include social projects alongside environmental initiatives, with

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DEFRA

£13.6 million to help families and charities reap benefits of surplus farm produce

Grants to ensure more than 19,000 tonnes of surplus food will be redistributed to homeless shelters, food banks and charities

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DEFRA

Government proposes to extend ban on destructive bottom trawling

Government proposals to ban bottom trawling in more vulnerable marine habitats aim to protect important and rare underwater life.

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Farm Business

Flagship muckspreaders increase versatility

The cost of fertiliser is huge. Not just the initial outlay of buying tonnes of artificial nutrients, but the potential

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Farm Business

Latest manufacturer updates for mechanical weeding kit

Greater scrutiny of how food is produced is present at every level these days. Consumers are more aware than ever

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Hort news

Freya unveils its Aeroframe™ platform

The Aeroframe™ cultivation platform is a triangular A-frame structure, powered by proprietary mobile aeroponic irrigators, developed over years of research and engineering. Unlike traditional aeroponics

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Hort news

Ledgnd announces Matthea Rijneker as new CEO

Ledgnd, a specialist in data-driven cultivation optimisation for the greenhouse industry, has announced the appointment of co-founder Matthea Rijneker as

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Chartered Institute of Horticulture

CIH Awards deadlines extended – don’t leave it too late to enter!

A reminder that the Chartered Institute of Horticulture entry deadlines for the Aberconway and Pam Pointer Awards for 2025 have

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Farm Business

Forward-thinking approach to boost berry production

From selling vegetables to London markets in the 1960s, Hall Hunter has expanded to five farms across Berkshire and Surrey,

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Hort news

BerryWorld celebrates wins at the 2025 Superior Taste Awards

BerryWorld is proud to announce that several of its premium berry varieties have been honoured at the prestigious 2025 Superior

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Hort news

WineGB launches Sustainable Packaging Toolkit for World Environment Day

As part of World Environment Day on 5 June, WineGB has launched a Sustainability Packaging Toolkit, the second in its

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Hort news

Growers cooperative Harvest House and Source.ag set new standard in forecasting and supply chain precision

Harvest House, one of Europe’s largest grower cooperatives for greenhouse vegetables is significantly expanding its partnership with AgTech scale-up Source.ag

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Hort news

Tozer and KWS Vegetables strengthen long-standing UK distribution agreement

Tozer and KWS Vegetables Netherlands B.V. have renewed their exclusive UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern-Ireland) distribution agreement, continuing the

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Hort news

Sinclair champions industry excellence as key sponsor at National Plant Show 2025

Sinclair, a leading provider of professional growing media solutions and part of Westland Horticulture, is returning to the HTA National

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DEFRA

Policy paper: Process for introducing ‘not for EU’ labelling for goods sold in Great Britain

This policy paper explains the decision-making process to introduce obligatory ‘not for EU’ labelling for specific products sold in Great

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DEFRA

Statistics at Defra

We publish national and official statistics relating to the environment, rural communities, food, farming and biosecurity.

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DEFRA

Rabies in bats: how to spot it and report it

Signs that may suggest rabies in bats, what to do if you spot them and measures to prevent exposing yourself

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DEFRA

Policy paper: ‘Not for EU’ labelling in GB: Concordat between the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments

A concordat to ensure the continuing supply of goods to Northern Ireland.

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DEFRA

APHA animal surveillance reports, publications and dashboards

Access APHA reports, videos, publications and data on livestock, wildlife and small animals in England and Wales.

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Farm Business

Change of mindset to cut back on tillage

It has been a few years since the UK saw the Väderstad Seed Hawk. Initially developed by the Canadian company

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Farm Business

Kverneland sets autonomous world ploughing record with AgXeed

Kverneland has set the first world record for autonomous ploughing by teaming up with autonomy solutions provider Agxeed. The 24-hour

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Farm Business

JCB hydrogen engine to debut at the Royal Highland Show

JCB’s hydrogen-fuelled engine will be on public display for the first time at a UK agricultural event during the Royal

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Farm Business

Farmers to get fairer deals for combinable crops

A new government review tackling unfair practices in the combinable crops supply chain is set to benefit arable farmers. The

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Hort news

Oxford Farming Conference calls for new Directors

The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) has opened applications for three new individuals to join the board and support the future

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Hort news

Climate change affecting the taste of wine

A new global study led by researchers from the University of British Columbia (UBC) has revealed that temperatures during the

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Hort news

New dealer for Tong in Yorkshire

Tong Engineering has announced a new dealership agreement with XAGRI, strengthening its presence and support for vegetable producers across Yorkshire.

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Hort news

M&S unveils projects to boost UK-grown fruit & veg

M&S says that it has helped suppliers to make a number of new investments made under its Plan A sustainability

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Hort news

Lincolnshire farmer diversified into a vineyard rooted in 160 million years of history

Arable farmer Tim Beaver from Church Farm in South Lincolnshire has expanded beyond his 550 ha of wheat, sugar beet,

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Chartered Institute of Horticulture

Horticulturists recognised at Chartered Institute’s Annual General Meeting

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture’s annual general meeting concluded with a prizegiving ceremony recognising the exceptional contribution of horticulture professionals

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DEFRA

Guidance: Import of live animals returned to Great Britain – IIN RATC/2

Guidance for vets, importers and border control officials when importing live animals that are being returned to Great Britain.

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DEFRA

Government funds scheme to tackle on-farm drought risk

Fully funded expert-led studies to assess water security on farms open for applications.

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DEFRA

Transparency data: UK-New Zealand sanitary agreement – joint management committee minutes

Summary minutes from meetings of the joint management committee (JMC) for the sanitary agreement between the UK and New Zealand.

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Farm Business

Czech-built farm machines focused on export markets

The Czech agricultural industry is an interesting one. On the border of what’s considered central and eastern Europe, with many

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Farm Business

Direct to farm Sugar Beet sales to be unveiled at Cereals 2025

UK sugar beet growers can now buy seed directly from plant breeders SESVANDERHAVE. The move by the leading global breeder

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Farm Business

NFU Marks UK’s “Negligible Risk” BSE Status as Major Milestone

The UK’s Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) risk status has been reclassified to negligible by the World Organisation for Animal Health

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Farm Business

Discover ways to boost efficiency at this year’s Cereals Event

Farmers looking for ways to improve efficiencies will have access to multiple solutions at this year’s Cereals Event. Smaller weather

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Hort news

Plant Products appoints Gregor Hoffmann

Plant Products, a division of BioFirst Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Gregor Hoffmann as General Manager of

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DEFRA

Reforms to bolster flood protection for communities across the country

Delivering on the government’s Plan for Change, proposals will introduce a simplified approach benefitting poorer communities and speeding up project

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DEFRA

Flood and coastal erosion funding reform

We are consulting on flood and coastal erosion funding rules and are calling for evidence on alternative sources of funding

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Farm Business

Drive to create value from every part of the estate

Farm Manager of the Year Simon Andrews might just oversee the most famous farm in the UK – although a

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Farm Business

John Deere revamps forager line-up

Launching later this year, the F8 and F9 John Deere forage harvester series are said to be new from the

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Hort news

UK apple growers target Vietnam in new export push for premium fruit

For the last few years, the top fruit grower association, British Apples & Pears Limited (BAPL), has been running a

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Hort news

Food industry expert puts down ambitious roots at Branston

Experienced chief operating officer Jason Kelly has joined leading potato supplier Branston, bringing with him more than 25 years’ experience

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Hort news

£200m win for UK consumers as fresh produce avoids Brexit border chaos

The UK Government has confirmed that planned post-Brexit border checks on medium-risk fruit and vegetables from the EU will now

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Hort news

New map of soil health set to revolutionise how we manage soil in Europe

A new EU Soil Health Data Cube layered map will revolutionise how farmers, land managers and policy makers sustainably manage

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Hort news

HTA warns inheritance tax changes a ‘lose-lose’

Proposed changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) reliefs are set to create a ‘lose-lose’ scenario for the UK, according to the

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DEFRA

Research: Avian influenza (bird flu) in Brazil

Preliminary and updated outbreak assessments for avian influenza (bird flu) in Brazil.

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DEFRA

Species-rich grassland: indicator species

Find the plant species that are typical of the grassland type on your land parcel for help with action GRH6:

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DEFRA

Research: UK breeds at risk from exotic animal disease outbreaks

Farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR) list of at-risk breeds of cattle, horses and ponies, sheep, goats, pigs and poultry; criteria

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DEFRA

Research: UKGLE advice on native breed conservation

The UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee’s advice on native breed conservation.

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Farm Business

John Deere acquires Sentera

John Deere announced on 23 May the acquisition of Sentera, a leading provider of remote imagery solutions for agriculture, headquartered

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Farm Business

Thousands of farmers to benefit from £30 million boost

Thousands of farmers will benefit from a £30 million boost to payments received for nature-friendly farming practices under the Higher

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Farm Business

HORSCH offers ‘spot spraying’ without an expensive camera system

Any HORSCH Leeb sprayer with AutoSelect, the automatic nozzle control system, can ‘spot spray’ with data fed from a drone

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Farm Business

Weeding efficiency enhanced with AI technology

The Ullmanna Newman weeder uses artificial intelligence technology to provide highly precise row crop weeding. The Newman multi-row machine from

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Farm Business

FBUK inheritance tax report should be a wake-up call for Treasury, says NFU

NFU commented on a new report by Family Businesses UK (FBUK) that looked into the impacts of inheritance tax changes

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Farm Business

“Connecting with Your Soils” to be launched at Groundswell 2025 by Hutchinsons

Hutchinsons theme at this year’s Groundswell event is “Connecting with Your Soils.” Visitors to the Hutchinsons stand will have the

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DEFRA

Decision: Disposal of single-use vapes: 2025 ministerial direction

A ministerial direction for local authorities relating to the disposal of single-use vapes.

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Hort news

Applications for life-changing Scholarship close in two months

Applications for 2026 Nuffield Farming Scholarships will close on the 31st July 2025. A Nuffield Farming Scholarship is a life-changing

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Hort news

Success for Hadlow College at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Hadlow College has bloomed once again at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, this year taking home a prestigious Silver Gilt

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DEFRA

Single-use vapes banned from 1 June 2025

Under the Government’s Plan for Change, move will stop the flood of litter on to nation’s streets and protect young

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Farm Business

Scottish debut for new JCB machines at Royal Highland Show

A host of new JCB agricultural machines will make their Scottish debut at the Royal Highland Show, which will run

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Farm Business

Landmark tree-planting milestone met thanks to UK farmers

Farmers and landowners have been key contributors to a groundbreaking initiative that has planted five million trees across Britain’s countryside,

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Hort news

Professor Ji Zhou wins Niab Bentley Nelstrop award

Niab’s Head of Data Sciences, Professor Ji Zhou, has been awarded Niab’s annual Bentley Nelstrop Medal for Enterprise and Innovation.

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Hort news

HilverdaFlorist and DIEM Breeding join forces for Hibiscus D-Tahiti®

Conducting sales through HilverdaFlorist’s established, international network gives DIEM Breeding the space to fully focus on breeding and selection. HilverdaFlorist

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DEFRA

Historic Garden of England protected with new sparkling National Nature Reserve

Eighth Kings Series National Nature Reserve to be announced

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DEFRA

Report fraud to Defra

You can report fraud, bribery and corruption against the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

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DEFRA

Decision: Lincolnshire Reservoir Project: Section 35 Direction, Planning Act 2008

Direction by Secretary of State relating to the proposed Lincolnshire Reservoir Project, Anglian Water Services Limited.

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DEFRA

Single-use vapes ban: what businesses need to do

Guidance for businesses preparing for the ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes from 1 June 2025.

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DEFRA

Decision: Fens Reservoir Project: Section 35 Direction, Planning Act 2008

Direction by Secretary of State relating to the proposed Fens Reservoir Project, Anglian Water Services Limited and Cambridge Water PLC.

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DEFRA

Peter Unwin CB named as Natural England Deputy Chair

Peter Unwin CB named as new Deputy Chair of the government’s statutory advisor on nature

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DEFRA

Guidance: Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025

Apply for a FETF grant for help to buy items that improve productivity, manage slurry and improve animal health and

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DEFRA

Government steps in to build first major reservoirs in 30 years

New reservoirs will supply three quarters of a million homes and unlock the building of tens of thousands more as

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Farm Business

Case IH Optum tractors now available with enhanced control and tech packages

Case IH has unveiled a series of updates to its Optum range, offering new tech packages and an upgraded joystick

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Farm Business

Cereals release ‘Farming Rap Anthem’ ahead of 2025 event

The arable event, Cereals, has released a rap song to promote this year’s event, which takes place at Heath Farm

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Hort news

Farm fined over potato harvester injury

Cheshire farming partnership LP Ollier & Son has been fined £20,000 after an employee trapped his leg in a potato

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Hort news

UK strawberry area increases slightly

According to British Berry Growers, not only is this year’s strawberry crop likely to be larger and sweeter than usual

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Hort news

Potato growers urged to be vigilant over Colorado Beetle threat

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has urged home ‘gardeners, allotmenteers and farmers’ to be vigilant for Colorado beetle

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Hort news

Jenney leads industry outcry over millions wasted on delayed post-Brexit border checks

Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium (FPC), has emerged as the leading voice for British food importers

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Hort news

London Wine Fair’s Battle of the Bubbles – English wines take the top & runner up spots

Twenty-six wines were tasted over two sessions by 16 judges, who comprised a cross section of the UK’s leading palates:

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DEFRA

Official Statistics: UK farm animal genetic resources (FAnGR): breed inventory results

Annual statistics on farm animal genetic resources in the United Kingdom.

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DEFRA

Biodiversity net gain for nationally significant infrastructure projects

We are seeking views on the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs).

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DEFRA

Improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain for minor, medium and brownfield development

We are seeking views on improving the implementation of biodiversity net gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development.

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DEFRA

£30M Boost for Farmers Leading the Way in Nature Restoration

Thousands of farmers will get a payment boost for restoring habitats and protecting landscapes.

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Farm Business

Silage additive proves successful in difficult seasons

Evesham-based Vale Green Energy has used a new silage additive from FM BioEnergy and is reporting that the product has

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Farm Business

UK Agri-Tech Centre to hold farm walk to highlight ag innovation

On the 3rd of June, the UK Agri-Tech Centre will run a farm walk and farm innovation workshop in collaboration

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Farm Business

BKT outlines five-year strategic plan

At its board of directors meeting, BKT outlined its strategic plan for the next five years, including growth in revenue

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Farm Business

Crawfords Group expands AGCO sales area

Crawfords has announced the expansion of its AGCO sales and after-service territory, which will now extend across North Hampshire and

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Farm Business

New UK Towing Safety Alliance launches

A new coalition has been formed to improve towing safety, following alarming statistics which highlight safety concerns in both work

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Hort news

Potato: the path to a bright future – a webinar to mark International Day of Potato

The James Hutton Institute will host a webinar on 30th May, the UN’s designated International Day of Potato, to discuss

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