Policy failures ‘undermine UK rape’
Arable 28/11/2025
United Oilseeds has been vocal in highlighting the need to restore UK oilseed rape to sustainable production levels – not only for the benefit of farmers, but for the wider economy, biodiversity and national security in food and livestock feed. Over the past decade, the decline in cultivation of... Read more
Rape seed sales boom as revival continues
Arable 28/11/2025
Sales of oilseed rape seed have increased by 25% following a bumper season for the crop. The rise marks renewed confidence in oilseed rape – on the back of low cabbage stem flea beetle numbers, decent yields for many growers and better prices – particularly in comparison with other... Read more
Two arable sector stalwarts have been recognised for outstanding service to the crop production industry. Pam Chambers and Keith Norman were presented with the 2025 British Crop Production Council Award awards at this year’s BCPC Congress event, held last month in Harrogate. The BCPC Award is presented to individuals... Read more
Growers have planted a big increase in oilseed rape as the sector continues to bounce back from recent lows. Harvest 2026 is set to see a 30% rise in the oilseed rape area to 316,000ha from last year’s low level, according to provisional results from the Agriculture and Horticulture... Read more
A new regulatory regime for gene-edited crops heralds a pivotal moment for agricultural innovation – which could benefit growers, say experts. After five years and a change of government, the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Act came into force on 13 November – a move research leaders say has far-reaching... Read more
Hundreds of well-wishers celebrated the life of Norfolk farmer David Richardson at a public service of thanksgiving last month. Mr Richardson died in August. The memorial service for the veteran journalist and broadcaster brought more than 500 friends, family members and colleaguesto theRoyal Norfolk Showground on Friday, 14 November.... Read more
Government needs to ‘step up’ for farmers
News 28/11/2025
Farm productivity could double with the right policy framework, say agricultural suppliers – but progress is being hampered by the lack of a clear, coordinated government strategy. Speaking at last month’s Agricultural Industries Confederation conference, AIC chairman Jonathan Lane said the sector was already demonstrating resilience, investment and innovation... Read more
New SFI scheme ‘in first six months of 2026’
News 28/11/2025
A revamped version of the Sustainable Farming Incentive will open for applications within the first six months of 2026, the government has suggested. Defra secretary Emma Reynolds said the government was working hard to revise the scheme, which was closed to applications from farmers after all the budget was... Read more
Farmland values across England and Wales continue to soften, with uncertainty over tax reform and the upcoming Budget weighing heavily on market activity. The average price of bare agricultural land fell by 1.6% in the third quarter of 2025 to £8,719/acre, taking the annual decline to 6.8%, according to... Read more
Average farmland values are softening ahead of the autumn Budget – although exceptional prices are still being paid for some parcels of land. Market conditions are proving highly variable, according to the latest analysis of Strutt & Parker’s Farmland Database. Even within the same county, land values are ranging... Read more
Subscribe
Industry leaders aim to secure profitable future
News Apr 1, 2026
New law on dog attacks comes into effect
News Mar 4, 2026
Revealed: Latest details for revamped SFI scheme
News Mar 4, 2026