Major processor holds up progress on sheep splitting rule changes

Call for tariffs to level playing field

NFU horticulture board chair Ali Capper called for tariffs to be levied on imports treated with plant protection products which are banned in the UK.

She cited the example of the USA, where growers have access to four times more pesticides and fungicides than British farmers.

Push for EU unfair trading practices directive to be applied in UK

Outgoing Groceries Code Adjudicator Christine Tacon has said the Government should be considering applying the EU’s unfair trading practices directive in the UK post-Brexit.

Ms Tacon suggested this may be the best way to ensure farmers receive a fair share of the food pound, because the EU proposals are focused on protecting primary producers, as opposed to consumers, unlike UK legislation.

She said it would be ‘misleading’ to claim applying the Groceries Supply Code of Practice, which she regulates, to all farmers would help resolve their issues around price.

Abattoirs ‘colluding’ to keep beef price down

Mr Findlay accused abattoirs of ‘colluding’ to keep the beef price down despite tight supplies.

He was responding to criticism that the board was not doing enough to keep the issue in the spotlight.