51AVÊÓƵ

The Government is pushing several pieces of agriculture legislation through Parliament now, and as chair of the Efra committee and an FG reader, I intend to hold their feet to the fire every step of the way, says Neil Parish MP.

Critics of the industry often claim today’s pesticides are more toxic and damaging to soil than ever – but nothing could be further from the truth, says Adam Speed, head of communications at the Crop Protection Association.

Brexit day, January 31, is finally upon us. And much like December 31, 1999, when experts were warning the Millennium Bug would kill off civilisation as we know it, I don’t believe the pundits’ warnings that the sky will fall in, says Dave Herbert, a South Welsh smallholder.

The recognition of soil’s importance in the Ag Bill is a statement of ambition few other countries can match, but there is more work to do if we’re to meet the Government’s target of having sustainably managed soils by 2030, says Sustainable Soils Alliance director Matthew Orman.

Politicians have made a lot of promises to farmers about UK agriculture having a bright future, and now we must hold them to account, says Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association.

If the Scottish Government does not set out a clear plan and direction of travel for agriculture, the annual support budget of 500m could be under threat, says Mike Rumbles, Scottish Liberal Democrat MSP for the North East.

We cannot rely on this Government to deliver for UK agriculture – farmers must step up and get involved if we’re to secure a decent future, says Oliver Dowding, arable farmer and agricultural spokesman for the Green Party in the south west.

The Welsh Conservatives will work with the UK Government to ‘Get Brexit Done’, but also make efforts to assuage any concerns farmers may have about the future, says Paul Davies, the party’s leader.

Defra Secretary Theresa Villiers wants to ban farrowing crates post-Brexit, but without support from Government and retailers, such a move would threaten UK pig farming’s future, says Zoe Davies, NPA chief executive.

As we begin a new year and a new decade, we should be confident that farmers across the UK can meet the challenges ahead and grasp opportunities outside the EU, says John Henning, County Armagh beef farmer.