Farming UK reports that the UK government is investing £21.5m in 15 farming innovation projects across England to help cut emissions, boost productivity and accelerate the use of new technologies on farms. Funded by Defra through the Farming Innovation Programme with Innovate UK, the projects span dairy, arable and horticulture. Initiatives include vitamin D–enriched tomatoes, low-emissions fertilisers using biological alternatives, and climate-resilient industrial hemp.

Speaking to the Farmers Guardian Crop It Like It’s Hot podcast, George Freeman MP, chair of the APPG on Science & Technology in Agriculture, explains the ambitious 30:50:50 ag-roadmap the Group has put to Government, setting out how smarter regulation, investment in innovation, and technologies such as precision breeding could unlock increased productivity, improved resilience and more sustainable food production on UK farms, bolstering Britain’s food security in an era of increasing geopolitical uncertainty and climate volatility.

Food Ingredients First reports that the European Parliament’s environment committee (ENVI) has backed a trilogue deal on the regulation of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in plants, moving it closer to final adoption. The agreement establishes a two-tier system, with NGT-1 plants regulated like conventionally bred crops and NGT-2 plants remaining under full GMO-style rules. EU plant breeding and farming groups welcomed the regulatory certainty for innovation and competitiveness, while consumer and organic organisations warned that reduced traceability and safeguards could threaten organic production and consumer choice.

Farmers Weekly reports that aligning Great Britain’s crop protection rules with the EU under a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) deal could cut UK farm incomes by up to £810m and reduce crop production, according to analysis by the Andersons Centre for CropLife UK. A “cliff-edge” alignment in 2027 could see a 3–6% fall in crop gross value added in year one, with wheat, potato and apple output significantly reduced due to lost plant protection tools, altered cropping patterns and higher costs. The report warns of reduced domestic food self-sufficiency and higher prices, urging a managed transition to full alignment instead.

Farmers Weekly reports that empty supermarket shelves in Shetland have sparked debate on UK food security after ferry cancellations caused supply shortages. Efra Committee chair, Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael, shared images from Tesco in Lerwick, highlighting how quickly disruption affects island communities reliant on imported food. Carmichael argued the situation shows why domestic food production matters, calling food security “national security”, and warning that the UK’s declining self-sufficiency leaves communities vulnerable to future supply chain shocks.

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.