Farmers in Derbyshire have lost a legal challenge against the UK Government's decision to cancel badger culling under license in that area.
Farmers in the area were just one day away from commencing badger cull operations before the government directed Natural England to withdraw the licences in September 2019.

Using data from veterinary practitioners, it was estimated that around 77% of new cases of TB in Derbyshire were due to badger infections.

The u-turn was legally challenged as ‘unlawful’, however the final judgement on 13th May dismissed the challenge, subject to appeals. The decision was considered lawful due to political reasons, despite the fact that the farmers met all of the Government’s requirements for a licence.

Farmers in Derbyshire had a reasonable expectation that the license would be granted and the ruling may have significant implications for future bovine TB control.

i. Dairy ‘milk your moments’ campaign launched to increase consumption
A social media, digital and television campaign has been announced which aims to highlight the need for personal moments during lockdown and the positive role fresh milk and dairy play in helping us connect during these challenging times.

AHDB and Dairy UK are working with Defra, the Scottish Government, the Welsh Government and the Northern Ireland Executive on the 12-week campaign, which goes live next week. It will be funded through a combination of £500,000 from the UK Governments, £300,000 from Dairy UK members and £200,000 from AHDB.

ii. First stage of Scottish Agriculture Bill passed
The Scottish Parliament has passed Stage 1 of the Agriculture (Retained EU Law and Data) (Scotland) Bill which enables Scottish Ministers to ensure that CAP schemes can extend beyond 2020.

The Bill also allows for modifications in relation to the CAP and updates the legal basis for collecting agri and food supply chain data.

iii. HCC announces lengthening in average shelf-life for PGI Welsh lamb
Hybu Cig Cymru - Meat promotion Wales (HCC) have announced a significant improvement in the shelf-life of PGI Welsh lamb; up by 16% over the past year to an average of 33 days.

The increase is attributed to training courses on best practice for livestock presentation and improving abattoirs and transportation. Extending the shelf-life of food products is a key factor for competitiveness in the retail market.

Earlier this month, Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths, confirmed that eligible dairy farmers - who have lost more than 25% of their income in April and subsequently May - will be entitled to up to £10,000, to cover 70% of their lost income.

The FUW is awaiting further details on this scheme - including the application process - and will update members as soon as this information becomes available.

Earlier this month, a one million pound industry-led “Milk Your Moments” dairy campaign was launched to promote the UK dairy industry and increase milk sales by encouraging people to share their moments of catching up with friends over a virtual coffee or dropping milk off for a family member.

The campaign is funded by AHDB, Dairy UK and the devolved Governments.The campaign will be available on social media, digital platforms and television and the campaign has teamed up with mental health charity Mind.

Farmers wishing to get involved can find more information and resources to use here.