51AVÊÓƵ

Defra non-executive director Ben Goldsmith has called for ‘rewilding’ to be renamed ‘wilder farming’ in order to reassure farmers they are central to the movement.

A massive 80 per cent of rural businesses are expecting their profits to fall in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the latest Rural Sentiment Survey from Knight Frank.

Many fear nature restoration represents a threat to farming communities in the uplands, but nothing could be further from the truth. ‘Wilder farming’ is a better way to describe the changes needed than ‘rewilding’, says Defra non-executive director Ben Goldsmith.

Flood-hit farmers are set to benefit from a £6 million funding pot, to help with recovery efforts.

The National Trust has warned against the ‘irresponsible’ use of barbeques when visiting the countryside, after hundreds of acres of moorland and forestry have been engulfed by wildfires due to recent dry weather.

Farmers are being urged to explore the opportunity of making money on private natural capital markets as Government spending on the coronavirus pandemic continues to spiral.

Cost management and improved productivity will be key to arable farming success as the UK shifts to a public money for public goods support system, according to consultants Andersons.

The Scotch Whisky industry has taken up the production of green energy with such enthusiasm it is clearly causing some unease in Government circles.

Despite the rise in consumer demand for organic products and subsequent growth in organic land, industry representatives have voiced their concerns the UK sector ’lags behind’ its European counterparts.

With thousands of consumers joining virtual farm tours across the country, the first online Open 51AVÊÓƵSunday (OFS) proved to be a huge success.