Helping older farmers retire

The Government's scheme to fund early retirement for farmers has had a mixed reception, although some farming organisations have given it a qualified welcome.   This extensive report includes a quote from me: https://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/19313523.cumbria-reacts-government-scheme-pay-older-farmers-retire/

Cabinet row over Australian trade deal

A battle royal is in progress in Cabinet on whether Britain should agree a tariff free trade deal with Australia.  Brexiteers think that if a trade deal cannot be concluded with Australia no deals will be possible for the new 'Global Britain'.

However, farmers - already reeling from the phasing out of support payments - are concerned that it could hit their markets and be a precedent for future deals, particularly those with the US and New Zealand.

On one side of the argument is international trade secretary Liz Truss.   On the other side is Defra secretary of state George Eustice, backed up by Michael Gove.   Gove is concerned that rural areas in Wales and Scotland would be hard hit, further undermining the union.   Reports are suggesting that Boris Johnson may come down in favour of the deal.

Beef and sheep meat would be the main commodities affected, although Australia is also interested in exporting more cheese.   There is a 20 per cent tariff on beef at present which would be phased out over 15 years.   

Australian farmers benefit from greater economies of scale, allowing them to undercut on price.  The writer well remembers visiting a huge drylot beef farm in New South Wales.

The RSPCA said Australia had lower standards on chlorinated chickens, sow stalls that confine pregnant pigs and growth hormone treatment for beef.