Farming
UK farming contributed £5.8 billion to our economy in 2007 (as measured by Gross Value Added at basic prices). It uses around three quarters of this country's land area, and employs over half a million people. One of our major tasks is to help this vital industry to operate as efficiently as possible. We administer support policies agreed in Brussels which provide around £3 billion to UK agriculture.
Farming Link
The January 2009 edition
of Farming Link - our magazine for farmers and growers - has now been published.
Read it online...
Latest news
Farming sections
- Crops
Plant health, seeds and varieties, GM crops and industrial crops, also updates on the EU regimes covering cereals, rice, fodder and sugar.
- Livestock
The health and welfare, identification and movement of farm animals.
- Environmental management
Land management, landscape features, and land use and planning, common land, rights of way, climate change, air and water and water courses. Plus, further information on the Agricultural Change and Environment Observatory Programme.
- Organic farming
Organic certification and standards as well as guidance on funding and converting to organic systems.
- Waste and resources
Key issues for farmers and land managers including
fly-tipping, landfill, incineration, composting, sewage and slurry, packaging, recycling and energy efficiency.
- Wildlife and plants
Wild birds, protected plants, pest control, bats, badgers and other species.
- Working in farming
Employment and wages, training, new entrants, tenancies, diversification, health and safety and the Women's Land Army..
- Retail and trade
Farm shops and farmers markets, import and export of plants, animals and animal products.
- Single Payment Scheme
- Policy
CAP
Reform, Farm
Regulation and Charging Strategy, the sustainable
farming and food strategy, the Farming for the Future Programme, and the Public
Sector Food Procurement Initiative (PSFPI).
- Whole Farm Approach
(WFA) - a faster and more efficient
way of doing
business between government and the farming industry.
- Contacts and dialogue
Farming Link; contact points
See also
- Horticulture - horticultural
production and marketing, potatoes and hops.
- Food and drink - milk and milk products, eggs, meat and poultry sectors.
Page last modified: 14 November 2008