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In these unprecedented times, farming’s pivotal role in feeding the nation has been brought back into sharp focus.

Defra Ministers are ‘in constant discussion’ with industry about delaying the phase out of direct payments, as the Agriculture Bill faces a fresh hold up due to the coronavirus epidemic.

No farm should face the prospect of losing more than a quarter of its direct payment before the new Environmental Land Management (ELM) scheme is up and running, the CLA has said.

The CLA has claimed the Chancellor’s 350 billion business stimulus will bring farm enterprises ‘much-needed relief’, as the spread of coronavirus takes hold.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has challenged the Government’s focus on tree planting and peatland restoration as a means to mitigate climate change.

Loans given to UK farming businesses increased by 22 per cent to £572m during 2019, according to new figures released at the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation’s (AMC) annual agent conferences.

FBT tenants face the prospect of being excluded from post-Brexit support because of a legal loophole in the Agriculture Bill.

Industry bodies have warned of the potential consequences of some of the proposed policies ahead of today’s Budget. Cedric Porter reports. 

Policies around climate change mitigation can bring financial benefits for farm businesses. Olivia Midgley reports from the Energy and Rural Business Show at Peterborough Arena.  

The Chancellor has placated industry fears as he confirmed tax relief on red diesel would be retained for the agricultural sector.