Over recent weeks, the NFU has been in close contact with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the issues affecting labour on the farm due to the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, Pick For Britain, a central online recruitment hub, is now live for businesses to advertise their job vacancies for this year’s harvest. The site, developed by government and the industry, helps to bring workers and employers together and ensures the UK can continue to deliver the best quality British fruit and veg for everyone to enjoy. Find out how Pick For Britain works. 

As the effects of COVID-19 continue to escalate rapidly, with serious financial consequences for many businesses, the NFU has increased its campaigning to protect them from irreversible damage.
NFU is working to ensure the best possible outcome for farming businesses.

Dairy industry unites to call for urgent government action to save the sector

Proposals to save the dairy industry, initiated by the NFU, have been backed by the entire supply chain in a letter sent to Defra Secretary of State George Eustice earlier this week. The letter called for immediate action, as well as a more considered response for the medium and longer-term measures. See details of the NFU’s asks in the letter, which was also signed by UK farming unions, RABDF, Dairy UK and the Provision Trade Federation.

NFU calls for greater support for the ornamentals sector

The impacts of the Coronavirus crisis are being felt across all of society, but one sector being particularly significantly hit is the ornamental sector which has been severely impacted by the closure of key outlets due to the coronavirus outbreak. At the end of last week, NFU President Minette Batters and horticulture and potatoes board chairman Ali Capper sent an open letter to retailers, asking them to provide much-needed support for ornamentals businesses. See the NFU’s key asks and related action.

COVID-19: Updates on the key issues affecting farmers and their business

The NFU UK is working to provide clarity for members on what the coronavirus outbreak and its impacts will mean for farm businesses. The “advice to members” page and the Q&A on the impact or coronavirus in the workplace continues to be updated, as more information becomes available

Furthermore, through a dedicated web-form, the NFU is providing an information gathering service on behalf of the agricultural and horticultural industries across the UK to assist the government in building a dynamic and up-to-date picture of the impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having on farmers and growers.

Here is a roundup of the latest information available at NFUonline:

ECONOMICS: Read NFU expert insight into the global impact of COVID-19

EMPLOYMENT: All you need to know on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

ENVIRONMENT: How is COVID-19 affecting agri-environment schemes?

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT: Fraud and scams – what to do if you’ve been targeted

HEALTH & SAFETY: Find the latest advice on accessing PPE

NATURAL ENGLAND: New information on virtual advice and applications

RED TRACTOR: See the latest information on farm assurance schemes

SUPPLY CHAIN: Guidance on drivers’ hours rules, now extended to 31 May

WELLBEING: Tips for staying at home and dealing with self-isolation on farm

ANIMAL HEALTH & WELFARE: Get advice on social distancing on farm

CROPS: Get an update on the challenges facing the arable sector

DAIRY: Click for information on temporary relaxed elements of UK competition law

HORTICULTURE & POTATOES: Hear from board chairman Ali Capper

LIVESTOCK: See the issues affecting beef and lamb producers

POULTRY: Read board chairman Thomas Wornham’s latest blog

SUGAR: Read the latest on the challenges facing UK sugar beet growers