Industry News

What barriers existing for healthy eating? Contribute your views to the Countryside Kitchen

Northamptonshire farmer Milly Fyfe is working on an exciting new project called The Countryside Kitchen – a classroom on her farm that’ll offer hands-on workshops to help families learn more about growing, cooking, and eating well.   A survey has just been launched to understand what barriers people face around healthy eating – and Milly is inviting families to take a few minutes to fill it in. Your answers will really help shape the offering from the project.  The survey can be accessed on the link below:

https://groundedresearch.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eKVMWvgGKQP305E

The survey is closing at the end of May – so please feel free to share with friends and family too before then.

Get ready for nature friendly farming week 19 – 25 May

Nature Friendly Farming Week, organised by the Nature Friendly Farming Network, celebrates the evolving role of our farmers.  How can farmers get involved?

Show case what you do beyond food production by sharing a photo on social media – Hold up a clear sign that highlights your role, like “I’m a farmer, and I plant trees”, or “I help store carbon in my soil”, or “I educate children through school visits.”

Record a short video (max. 1min) – Show and explain how your work supports nature, climate, or local communities.

Send your photos and videos to info@nffn.org.uk 

Please use the hashtag: #NFFWeek2025 

If you want to network with like-minded farmers in your area, or need some help and advice with nature friendly farming, then contact Jane for details of how to join your local Sustainable Farming Group.  You can also request a free advisory visit from the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust Land Advice team.

Defra seeks farmers to join user panel to help improve their services

Defra is working on improvements to its Farming and Countryside Programme and is seeking farmers who will help them improve their services.  If you express an interest in joining the panel of farmers. you’ll be added you to the Defra insights community. When there’s a research activity Defra think is suitable for you, you’ll be sent you an invitation to take part. You can decide whether to accept or decline. Invitations include: opportunities to speak directly with a Defra researcher testing out prototypes completing short surveys.   You’ll typically be offer an opportunity to comment once every few months.  Read more here.

Baroness Minette Batters to lead a government review of farm profitability

Ex-NFU President Minette Batters has been appointed by Defra to lead the review, which will see the cross-bench peers provide recommendations to the department, aimed at helping to ensure the farming sector is “more viable, self-sustaining and competitive in the long-term”.

In a statement announcing her appointment, Baroness Batters said she will “leave no stone unturned in trying to find solutions to boost farm profitability”, but warned: “We should be under no illusions how difficult this work will be.  There will not be one ‘silver bullet’ to fire but I’m hopeful this review can make a difference to a sector that produces the nation’s food, underpins the rural economy and delivers so much for the environment”, she said.  “I’m pleased to be appointed to lead this review and look forward to working with farmers and growers to provide recommendations to government, food retailers, processors and manufacturers.”

Save your soil with a little help from the Royal Countryside Fund

Why not host a visit during Open Farm Sunday?

Open Farm Sun­day, organised by Linking Environment and Farming, is a fab­u­lous oppor­tu­ni­ty to con­nect farm­ers and the pub­lic to dis­cov­er the cru­cial work farm­ers do pro­duc­ing food, nur­tur­ing nature, and pro­tect­ing the envi­ron­ment for future generations.  This year the event is being held on 8 June.  Open Farm Sunday is your event for you to organise, whether it’s a small farm walk for 30 people or a big open day.   There’s a host of case studies offering ideas and inspiration, top tips and training, plus the OFS team is on hand to offer help and support if you need it.    If you’ve never opened your farm before, why not consider joining Open Farm Sunday in 2025?  Read more here.