Brexit no-deal fears grow for UK agriculture
Following last week’s comprehensive rejection of the prime minister’s “Chequers” EU withdrawal deal by Parliament, industry bodies have reiterated their opposition to a “no deal” exit from the EU at the end of March. The Article 50 timetable points to the UK leaving...Currency and weather keep oilseeds market uncertain
Currency uncertainty, with Brexit deal talk sending the pound up, along with weather woes around the world, crushers who aren’t eager to buy and farmers who are too busy to sell, is keeping the market for rapeseed subdued. “Sterling’s strength is not helping, with the...EU votes to ban outdoor neonic use by end 2018
The EU is supporting a total ban on the three neonicotinoid active ingredients already under restrictions for use on flowering crops. The move follows a scientific review that concluded that the outdoor use of these insecticides harms bees. Manufacturers and trade bodies have criticised the decision, and the fact it was reached before a legal hearing on the validity of the existing restrictions.
New code of conduct for agri data sharing
With precision agriculture and digital platforms exponentially increasing the amount of data generated by agricultural operations from planting seeds to feeding animals, a new voluntary code of practice aims to regularise access to and use of this data. The code, which is endorsed by the European Commission, aims to “set transparent principles, clarify responsibilities and create trust among partners”.
EU farmers urge ending fertiliser import tariffs
EU farmer and co-operative body Copa-Cogeca is urging the European Commission to abolish customs duties and taxes on fertilisers imported into the EU – particularly Russian ammonium nitrate – as they say the resultant higher prices are putting European...
