Trade and policy

Having left the Europe Union following Brexit, farmers and growers are now looking at the future changes in domestic policy and trading relationships. Explore the latest information and analysis on how this will affect farming businesses.

The government in England has announced three future environmental schemes to replace the current Basic Payment Scheme. Below you will find the most up-to-date information on each of the schemes. 

• A new government scheme that rewards environmental land management
• Offers payments for carrying out ‘environmentally sustainable actions’ such as improving soil health, hedgerows and integrated pest management
• Expressions of interest in the pilot began in March 2021 

• Defra and Natural England have created the Nature Recovery Network (NRN)
• Pays for actions such as creating, managing or restoring habitats, natural flood and species management
• Aims to create or restore 500,000 hectares of additional wildlife-rich habitat 

• This government scheme focuses on landscape and ecosystem recovery
• Supports the creation and restoration of coastal habitats and long-term projects, such as large-scale tree planting
• Piloting starts in 2022 and launches in 2024

Following EU exit and the new Global Britain foreign policy focus, the UK is free and keen to sign trade deals with a number of countries around the world. AHDB will be analysing how these trade deals will affect UK farmers. 

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When faced with challenges, it’s reassuring to know that there are a number charities offering practical advice, guidance and support. 

Listen to the latest analysis and advice from our experts who discuss how trade and policy changes could impact the agri-food industry.

Browse our playlist for the topics that most relate to you.

We have a range of tools to help you to manage the changes in agricultural trade and policy.

Our Business Impact Calculator allows you to put in your direct payments figures to understand how they might change , while our Brexit toolkit contains a range of online tools, from looking at ways to minimise overhead costs to understanding the current market.

Thursday, 18th June 2021

With BPS applications fresh in our minds, AHDB's Steve Dunkley talks about why it is a stark reminder to farmers and growers in England that change is upon us and what action people can take.