Farming across the UK

New guidance to help businesses prepare for EU trade agreement 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Farming across the UK, Farming and Countryside Team

The government is agreeing a new deal with the EU to make it easier to trade and move plants, animals, food and related products between the UK and EU. We’ve now published guidance to help businesses understand what these changes could mean in practice and the steps they may need to take to prepare.

Watch: lessons from farmers growing herbal leys in the Derbyshire White Peak

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Last summer, we visited farmers in the Derbyshire White Peak to hear what they’ve learned from growing herbal leys in improved grassland systems. Working with Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser Ben Rodgers, they have been exploring how multi-species swards can be integrated into grassland farming. In this post, we’re sharing the first films from that work.

Routes to overseas markets and the role of agri-food attachés 

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butcher holding packets of meat in a retail environment

Defra’s network of agri-food attachés helps UK farmers and food producers get their products onto international shelves and grow their businesses overseas. In this post, we explain what they do and include links for those looking to expand their international sales and find the best markets for their products.

Working together for water: 51 projects receive share of £11 million fund

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Farming across the UK, flood risk and water pollution.

Last year, money collected from fines on water companies between April 2022 and October 2023 was invested in the £11 million Water Restoration Fund. In this post, we share the list of successful grant applicants and highlight one of the projects.

Spending Review 2025: a commitment to farming 

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Steve Reed, Environment Secretary, stands outdoors at a livestock show talking with two men. He is in the centre, wearing a brown jacket and light blue shirt, listening. On his left, an older man in a dark coat and black bowler hat gestures while speaking. On his right, a suited man with a red and blue striped tie looks down thoughtfully. Cattle and people are visible in the background.

Following the Spending Review, Defra has secured a multi-year funding commitment from HM Treasury. More than £2.7 billion a year will be invested in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026 to 2029. Funding for the Environmental Land Management Schemes paid to farmers will increase by 150% over this time period.

Using integrated pest management to grow healthy crops and support nature 

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The UK’s National Action Plan for Pesticides guides farmers towards sustainable pest, weed and disease management through integrated pest management (IPM). By combining techniques like crop rotation, biodiversity, and selective pesticide use, IPM strengthens farm resilience, boosts food production, and helps nature thrive. In this post we share resources and case studies.