Farming UK reports that the government has pledged to cut red tape holding back agri-tech innovation by simplifying farm regulation and reducing administrative costs. As part of its Industrial Strategy, regulatory reviews led by the Department for Business and Trade will streamline rules, cut duplication and paperwork, and support innovation while maintaining protections. Agri-tech has been identified as a key growth sector, with continued investment promised through the Farming Innovation Programme. The NFU welcomed the move but warned that easing regulation alone will not address barriers such as low profitability, limited capital, poor connectivity and low confidence to invest.

BBC News reports that a UK intelligence report has warned that global nature loss poses a serious threat to national security, prosperity and food supplies. It highlights “cascading risks” from collapsing ecosystems such as the Amazon, including conflict, migration, pandemics and rising food prices. The UK’s reliance on fragile global ecosystems means food security could be challenged, with self-sufficiency currently unrealistic without major price rises. While government says the UK remains food-secure, the report stresses urgent action, investment and innovation are needed to reduce long-term risks.

Farmers Weekly reports that former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters has told MPs on the Efra Committee that England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) must be reformed to prioritise food production alongside environmental goals to protect farm profitability and national food security. She warned that removing the Basic Payment Scheme without embedding food production has left English farming exposed, and that the SFI was designed for an era of greater public spending and must adapt to tighter finances. She also urged greater support for food-producing crops, reduced reliance on imported soya and improved access to market intelligence.

Farming UK reports that UK plans to reintroduce pig and poultry processed animal protein (PAP) into animal feed have been put on hold, despite government support, pending a future UK-EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement. Defra and the Welsh Government confirmed the changes will not proceed independently, with no timetable set. The proposals, consulted on in 2025, would align the UK with EU rules while maintaining strict safeguards. Industry bodies broadly support the move but warn the delay prolongs uncertainty for producers, and reflects a growing trend of Defra policies being placed on hold until an SPS agreement is implemented.

Farming UK reports that the NFU has warned MPs that gene editing must not be traded away in UK-EU realignment talks, saying an exemption is vital to protect access to beneficial new technologies. NFU president Tom Bradshaw said closer EU relations could benefit farmers, with trade volumes to the EU down by 37.4% since Brexit, but only if the UK’s more progressive approach to agricultural innovation is preserved. Without exemptions, alignment could limit innovation and long-term competitiveness, he cautioned.

Farmers Weekly reports that AHDB has launched a proof-of-concept pilot of its Farm Data Exchange for the beef and dairy sectors, designed to reduce data duplication, support compliance, and unlock financial benefits while allowing farmers to retain control of their information. Involving 18 farms, the pilot focuses on environmental reporting and carbon calculations, working with partners such as BCMS, RPA, feed companies and carbon calculators.

Farming UK reports that England’s environmental regulation is failing to meet its goals and is undermining farm productivity, according to a National Audit Office report. Farm leaders say rules must better balance environmental ambition with profitable, productive farming. The NAO highlighted slow progress by Defra and regulators, citing skills shortages, fragmented IT systems, data gaps and a risk-averse culture managing over 3,000 laws. The NFU called for practical, flexible and innovation-led regulation. Despite extra funding, watchdogs warn reform is too slow, risking both environmental outcomes and domestic food production.

Farming UK reports that Britain’s farmers face a significant regulatory shift under proposed plans by Sir Keir Starmer to realign more closely with the EU. A post-Brexit bill would introduce “dynamic alignment”, tying the UK to future EU rules on food standards, animal welfare and pesticides, without MPs voting on each change. Ministers argue this would ease exports by reducing border friction, while critics warn it undermines sovereignty. If passed, the legislation could reshape farming regulation, market access and competitiveness ahead of a wider UK-EU reset planned for 2027.

Farmers Weekly reports that the Society of Agriculture (SocAg) launched on 1 January, bringing together the Institute of Agricultural Management and the British Institute of Agricultural Consultants. Its main aim is to achieve chartered status for agricultural consultants and managers, raising professionalism, accountability and leadership across the sector. SocAg chairman Simon Britton said chartership would give agriculture greater credibility and a stronger voice with government, industry and the public. The new organisation aims to unite farming, consultancy, rural business and environmental expertise into a single, independent professional body.

Farming Online reports that the Farming Profitability Review 2025, led by Baroness Minette Batters, sets out 57 recommendations to strengthen the resilience and viability of farm businesses in England. The review highlights the sector’s role in economic renewal, calling for better use of data, simpler regulation and targeted innovation support. Government has responded by creating a new Farming and Food Partnership Board to strengthen farmer voices, boost domestic food production, attract investment and improve supply chain fairness, alongside continued support through funding, planning reform and trade initiatives.

Farmers Weekly reports that the latest 30 research projects under the government’s Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (Adopt) programme, backed by nearly £2.3m, have been announced by Defra farming minister Dame Angela Eagle, including new technology trials tackling emissions, productivity, and resilience. The trials aim to explore new ideas in real working farm conditions, from lower-emission machinery to digital tools that support day-to-day farm management.

Farmers Weekly reports that a new Oxford Farming Conference report warns UK farms must make tough decisions to survive in a post-subsidy world. Written by Dr Louise Manning, it argues farm businesses must become “investible products” by adopting clear strategies, succession plans and stronger business discipline. The report calls for a shift from short-term survival to opportunity-led thinking, while criticising the lack of a coherent, long-term national food strategy. It highlights collaboration, honest appraisal of enterprises and mindset change as essential to restoring confidence, investment and long-term farm viability.