51AVÊÓÆµ

EXCLUSIVE - Steve Barclay: "Sacrificing UK progress on gene editing would risk seeing us fall behind other countries"

Former Defra Secretary Steve Barclay said gene editing could be a game-changer for the precision breeding of crops and livestock

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
North East Cambridgeshire MP Steve Barclay said: "It is not enough for ministers to simply say food security is part of national security. Policy must back this up if it is to be more than just an empty slogan."
Image:

North East Cambridgeshire MP Steve Barclay said: "It is not enough for ministers to simply say food security is part of national security. Policy must back this up if it is to be more than just an empty slogan."

During my time as Defra Secretary, I always had the needs of farmers at the forefront of my mind. After all, it is not enough for ministers to simply say food security is part of national security....

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Iran war: 70% of US farmers cannot afford fertiliser needs on-farm, report says

Iran war: 70% of US farmers cannot afford fertiliser needs on-farm, report says

Like farmers in the UK, food producers in the US are facing an uphill battle with skyrocketing increases to key farm inputs

Chris Brayford
clock 20 April 2026 • 6 min read
Iran war: Arable farmers face uphill battle for survival if price inputs continue to soar

Iran war: Arable farmers face uphill battle for survival if price inputs continue to soar

UK growers are under renewed pressure from conflict in the Middle East, and all at a time when margins were already under significant strain

Chris Brayford
clock 20 April 2026 • 3 min read
Left, right or centre? - How milk preference in tea and coffee could influence your political voting intentions

Left, right or centre? - How milk preference in tea and coffee could influence your political voting intentions

Are Labour voters more likely to put almond alternatives in their tea? And are Tories and Reform voters more likely to have whole milk in their coffee?

Chris Brayford
clock 18 April 2026 • 2 min read