The Rural Bulletin: 18 August 2017

New export deals for British meat

The UK has secured an export deal worth £34m over five years, putting British beef back on the menu in the Philippines for the first time in more than a decade. According to Defra, demand for high welfare, traditional British breeds is behind the new deal. In addition, Chinese authorities have approved seven new UK pork exporters, in a deal worth £200m. 

Shape the future of migrant labour

The Migration Advisory Committee, commissioned by the Government to report on the impact of Brexit on the UK labour market, is calling for feedback from businesses that employ migrant labour. It plans to use this information to produce recommendations for the UK’s future immigration system. Rural businesses which rely on permanent or seasonal migrant labour should respond by 27 October. 

Crime wave resurges

The cost of rural theft rose by more than 20% in the first half of 2017 (against £18.1m in H1 2016), according to the NFU Mutual’s crime report. Although theft costs fell by 4% in 2016 (compared with 2015), to £39.2m, a new wave of rural crime is now hitting the countryside, despite increased farm security. Claims have been higher, year-on-year, every month since August 2016, with March 2017 the worse month in five years. Criminals continue to target Land Rovers, quad bikes, tractors, tools and livestock, with the North East and Midlands the worst affected areas. 

Strong public support for farming 

Nine out of 10 people think farming is important to the UK economy, according to the first NFU survey since the Brexit vote. Some 68% have a favourable or very favourable view of British farming, 82% feel farmers should be supported for preserving the countryside and 81% feel they should be supported in ensuring reasonable food prices. This support sends a strong message to MPs to create a post-Brexit environment in which farming can thrive. 

Rain damages milling crops

Harvest is heading into its final couple of weeks in southern England, although rain continues to hamper combining across the country. The wet weather has damaged many milling wheat crops, with Hagbergs falling below 200 and declining bushel weights. However, further north yields and quality have been reasonable, with farmers in Scotland now moving into spring barley. 

New grants available to farmers

The Prince’s Countryside Fund has made over £540,000 of grant funding available to support farm businesses across the UK. The aim of the fund is to improve the prospects of family farms and the quality of rural life. Projects include rural broadband, farm crisis support and fostering future generations of farmers and managers through colleges and Young Farmers Clubs.