Editorial
Brexit no-deal: bluster or brinkmanship
The prime minister has proved that breezy slogans can win referendums and elections, but the detailed graft of negotiating trade deals is a lot harder. With the end of the EU withdrawal transition period rapidly approaching, UK agri-business needs clarity over future...
Beirut warning over AN fertiliser safety
This week’s explosion in Beirut, seemingly through the accidental detonation of a warehouse full of Ammonium Nitrate fertiliser, is a tragedy for those killed and injured, their families and those who have lost homes and property. The TV images of the awful explosion,...
Comment: Why so quiet on Brexit benefits?
With the passing of the June 30th deadline for an extension to the EU withdrawal period, it seems that the UK government is either determined to crash out of the Single Market without a deal, or believes that its brinkmanship will help secure a last minute one....
Comment: Farm cash flows need longer Brexit transition
The spell of warm, dry settled weather over recent weeks has allowed spring crop plantings to progress almost uninterrupted, in contrast to last autumn. Despite the Covid-19 lockdown affecting much of society, spring forage and arable field work is well underway....
Comment: Longer-term effect of COVID-19 on agrifood chain hard to gauge
While the farm supply trade is coping with the disruption from coronavirus and its control measures in the short term, the medium-term effect on the industry and its markets is harder to predict. Government must underwrite vital food supply chains and think hard about...
Comment: Don’t skimp on silo safety
On farm silos to store feed and other essential inputs are such an on-farm fixture that they become “part of the furniture” and are often taken for granted. But the national stock is ageing. Without regular checks and maintenance, a silo can fail, with severe...