Will closer links with Europe bring fresh opportunities for British growers and livestock producers – or new restrictions on UK farming?

This week, we examine the proposed UK–EU deal to ease checks on food and agricultural trade.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw explains why farming is the testbed for the wider relationship, while we consider the implications for precision breeding, crop protection and market access.

Should the Sustainable Farming Incentive be scrapped and rebuilt – or simply funded properly?

Lord Curry calls for a fresh approach to environmental stewardship, and we debate whether reform or greater investment offers the best way forward.

We also discuss the government’s renewed bovine TB strategy, why farmers need a voice on new water councils, and the latest livestock, grain and fuel prices.

And finally, Bishop of Norwich Graham Usher pledges to champion farmers in the House of Lords, as we consider long-term environmental funding and better access to rural healthcare.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

Chapters

01:05 UK–EU farm trade deal: Tom Bradshaw’s priorities
03:48 REAP conference: precision breeding, pesticides and market access
07:14 Closer EU links: opportunities and trade-offs for farmers
16:55 SFI: start again or fund it properly?
26:54 Bovine TB: testing, vaccination and delivering the strategy
30:07 Water councils: why farming needs a seat at the table
33:30 Markets: livestock, grain, oilseeds and diesel
35:56 Bishop of Norwich pledges to champion farmers
38:43 Rural health, access to care and farm safety

Guests

• Tom Bradshaw – NFU president

• Jack Smith – farmer and REAP conference contributor

• Belinda Clarke – director, Agri-TechE

• Mark Buckingham – Bayer Crop Science

• Lord Curry – contributor to the debate on the future of farm support

• Graham Usher – Bishop of Norwich

Useful links

• Sustainable Farming Incentive: official guidance

• TB Hub: bovine TB information for farmers

• Agri-TechE: agricultural innovation and the team behind REAP

• Bishop of Norwich: Graham Usher

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/

Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/

Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/

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To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.