Politics and Government Politics and Government
Wed, December 11, 2024

Nature decline and rising temperatures pose risk to UK food security - report


Published on 2024-12-11 07:40:59 - London Evening Standard
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  • The latest Government report shows UK self-sufficiency broadly unchanged in 20 years, but highlights worsening risks.

The article from The Standard discusses the concerns of UK farmers regarding the government's agricultural budget and policies. Farmers are facing financial strain due to a combination of factors including the war in Ukraine, which has led to increased costs for fuel, fertilizers, and feed. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has been criticized for not providing sufficient support, particularly as the budget for farming has been redirected towards environmental schemes rather than direct payments to farmers. This shift aims to promote sustainable farming practices but has left many farmers feeling unsupported, especially with the added pressures from global market disruptions. The article highlights the frustration among farmers as they navigate these economic challenges, with some expressing fears over the future viability of their farms. Additionally, there's mention of a potential £427 million underspend by Defra, which has not been reallocated to help farmers directly, further fueling discontent.

Read the Full London Evening Standard Article at:
[ https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/farmers-defra-budget-nature-ukraine-b1199352.html ]
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