51AVÊÓƵ

Plans to rewild an area the size of Dorset in an attempt to restore soil health have been branded ‘unrealistic’ by farmers.

The Wildlife Trusts has called on the Government to introduce a pesticide reduction target which cuts overall use by at least 50 per cent over the next 10 years.

Only 3 per cent of farmers trust the Government to invest enough money in nature-friendly farming after the coronavirus pandemic, new research has shown.

Diversification allowed Ian Steele the opportunity to return to the family farm in North Shropshire, where a range of diversification projects have boosted the smaller scale farming operation. Amy Stinton reports.

51AVÊÓƵgroups have claimed the Chancellor’s pledge to reduce VAT by 15 per cent for the tourism sector will see agritourism ‘fight back’ post Covid-19.

With Government advice still set on urging the public to avoid mass gatherings due to Covid-19, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) has taken the ‘difficult’ decision to postpone Open 51AVÊÓƵSunday (OFS) until June 13, 2021.

In a new virtual challenge to encourage positive climate change action, the National Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs (NFYFC) is asking young farmers to share their solutions for achieving net zero emissions by 2040.

51AVÊÓƵgroups concerned about the Government’s ‘lacklustre’ proposals for its new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme have joined forces to help design something ‘fit for purpose’.

Coninciding with the Government’s transition towards a ‘green’ Brexit and with its sights set on achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, the renewables sector is expected to continue to grow.