Department For Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) News Monitoring

Horticulture growth strategy relaunched to end Defra stalling on key policy areas

The relaunch of the NFU UK horticulture growth strategy aims to restart progress on the Seasonal Worker Scheme, the Fruit & Veg Aid Scheme, and the output from last year’s Supply Chain Fairness Review.

Defra confirms tomato seed testing change

Bird flu detected in dead grey seals on coast

Bird flu has been found in two dead grey seals on the north Norfolk coast. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said wild birds in the area had also tested positive. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said four seals were …

Virtual fencing could counteract dog attacks

Virtual fencing is offering solutions to the issue of dog attacks on sheep, according to NoFence, one of the companies which operates the technology. NoFence public affairs director Mathilde Chatin found this information through company research and an …

ECO CHAMBER PODCAST: Reed to rewire DEFRA amid ammonia accounting tricks

The 100 most valuable contracts awarded by DEFRA in the last five years – and the firms that won the work

Four seals die on Norfolk coast after contracting bird flu

Experts have raised fears for the seals at England’s largest colony after four were found to have died after having been infected with bird flu. Government scientists are investigating to find out whether the seals died after scavenging from the corpses of …

DEFRA ‘won’t interfere’ with Powerfuel Portland EfW decision

Opinions on ultra-processed foods being sought

19 February 2025 People across the UK will be asked to share their views on ultra-processed foods as part of a new project intended to help shape research and policy on UPFs. It is the first in-depth deliberative dialogue to focus specifically on ultra- …

'Lincs need more cash to protect against flooding - and farmland is overlooked'

A group examining Lincolnshire's resilience to flooding has issued a call for more cash from the government - and says farmland that is crucial to the nation's food security is being overlooked when flooding hits. In recent years, the county has …

Derby city centre buildings set for demolition as vital flood works move forward

Several Derby city centre buildings are set to be demolished as part of major work to boost the city’s flood defences. Leading councillors have given the nod to press ahead with Derby City Council’s Our City Our River (OCOR) project to protect more than 1, …

UK invests £15m into climate fight – but will it be enough?

In brief:  UKRI and Defra have announced a £15m investment to help the UK adapt to climate change. The funding will support research on food security, extreme weather, and protecting vulnerable communities. Projects will inform policy, strengthen urban …

Flood funding is not enough to keep us safe - councillors warn

Councillors have warned that the current funding arrangements for the Environment Agency are not providing the level of flood resilience Lincolnshire needs. In recent years, the county has faced multiple storms that have resulted in flooding. Storms Babet …

English whisky nears GI status

An application to register English whisky as a geographical indication (GI) has entered the consultation stage after four years in development. The EWG and its 26 member distillers, including The Lakes, worked on the proposed GI The English Whisky Guild ( …

DEFRA asked to ‘urgently clarify’ plan to restore chalk streams

Greater Manchester told to pay back £22m after Clean Air Zone scrapped

Greater Manchester has been told it will need to pay back £22m earmarked for the Clean Air Zone now plans have been scrapped. More than £100m has been spent on the controversial scheme that was set to charge some motorists up to £60 a day for driving on …

DEFRA asked to ‘urgently clarify’ plan to restore chalk streams

The government must ‘urgently clarify’ its plan to restore chalk streams, delivering ‘enhanced legal protections, strengthened enforcement mechanisms and immediate investment in restoration and conservation’, according to a cross-party coalition of local …

Defra secretary Steve Reed backs US trade deal

Defra secretary Steve Reed has thrown his support behind the possibility of a trade deal between the UK and US, despite concerns from British farmers about cheaper American imports undercutting British produce. Speaking to The Telegraph, Mr Reed stressed …

Bluetongue virus breaks out in UK with warning to farmers on livestock and dogs

Restrictions are in place on moving animals due to the outbreak ( Image: Getty Images) Farmers in parts of the UK have been put on alert as an outbreak of bluetongue has been detected, according to the government. The virus is not an immediate threat to …

The SFDA CEO Meets with the EU Health and Food Safety Director-General in Brussels

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA, February 20, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- As part of the SFDA ongoing efforts to enhance global partnerships and ensure the highest standards of food and drug safety, H.E. Dr. Hisham S. Aljadhey, CEO of the Saudi Food and Drug …

WORLD PREMIERE OF AMERICAN AGITATORS SET FOR CINEQUEST FILM & CREATIVITY FESTIVAL SUNDAY, MARCH 16 IN SAN JOSE

Filmmakers to Join for Exclusive Screening and Q&A LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Award-winning filmmaker Raymond Telles’ latest documentary, American Agitators, will make its world premiere at the …

AKTI & V Nives Applaud Washington State Knife Legislation

CODY, WY, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) and V Nives, a Washington State-based knife manufacturer, applaud legislation introduced by Senator Phil Fortunato (SB 5534) and …

Life Initiatives Inc. Launches ‘Know Your Rights Online’ to Equip Immigrants with Resources Amid Rising ICE Raids

Multi-Language Platform and Community Outreach Aim to Protect and Empower Immigrant Communities NEW YORK CITY, NY, UNITED STATES, February 18, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Life Initiatives Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting immigrant …

'Searching for Meaning Thru Sonnets' by Arthur Beane Brings Poetry and Reflection to a World in Chaos

Searching for Meaning Thru Sonnets, a book that blends heartfelt introspection with pressing social issues. BRADENTON, FL, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Author and retired educator Arthur Beane is set to release his …

The Jack and Ronnie McGreevey Civic Association Strengthens Its Commitment to the Vulnerable Communities

JERSEY CITY, NJ, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Aiming to address the urgent needs of vulnerable populations, the Jack and Ronnie McGreevey Civic Association—founded by former Governor Jim McGreevey in honor of his parents …

Houston Criminal Defense Attorney David Smith Secures In-Trial Dismissal of DWI Case

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Media Contact: Gabriela Whitlock, Chief of Staff https://referu.ai/ In a major courtroom triumph, David Smith Law Firm, PLLC, secured an in-trial dismissal for a …

Trump’s diplomatic gambit in the Middle East at one month

The spotlight on the second Donald Trump administration’s foreign policy in its fourth week in office was on Europe, where talks around “ending” Russia’s war against Ukraine had a curious connection to the Middle East. Top Trump diplomat Marco Rubio …

Solar Energy Development Poses No Threat to Agricultural Land or Food Production, New Report Shows

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Recent media coverage portraying solar energy development as a threat to agricultural land and food production has no basis in fact, according to a new report from The …

Championing Human Rights and Climate Rights

Climate change cannot succeed without protecting human rights - the fight for human rights cannot succeed without protecting our planet against climate change. MONTEREY/SANTA BARBARA, CA, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ …

Newsmatics' First-Ever Hackathon Sparks Massive Student Interest, Reaches Full Capacity

Students to Transform Raw News Data into Innovative Visual Stories and Solutions WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- In less than a week, students in Brno, Czechia will pull an all-nighter to put their data …

America’s Information War Comes Home: Former Under Secretary of State Richard Stengel to Address Digital Disinformation

Richard Stengel, former Under Secretary of State will share his expertise on digital disinformation and its impact on democracy, NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The Sustainable Media Center (SMC), Mintz, and …

LAWRENCE MCKINNEY NAMED 2024 ECONOMIC DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR

Honored by the International Economic Development Council for exemplary leadership and impactful contributions to economic development NORMAN, IL, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The International Economic Development …

Love Heals Youth Champions Groundbreaking Foster Care Reform: The Sound of Hope Act

House Bill 194 Seeks to Transform Child Welfare Through Faith-Based Community Support CONROE, TX, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Love Heals Youth, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to bringing hope and healing to …

Diamond in the Rough & AYAC Present "Gifts for Grades" Book and Toy Drive – Black History Edition

"Gifts for Grades" Book and Toy Drive – Black History Edition, NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- Diamond in the Rough & AYAC Present "Gifts for Grades" Book and Toy Drive – …

Book release: The Sovereign Perspective, the Ultimate Guide to Rational Governance and Social Harmony

More than just a book— a revolutionary political, social, and philosophical theory that addresses our most pressing issues while offering achievable solutions BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, CA, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- …

The True Story of the Iconic "Grateful Dead" Lithuania Basketball Shirts

The Amazing True & Accurate Facts: They were never created as an actual team uniform, nor were they ever part of the Grateful Dead NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- The Lithuanian Olympic Men’s Basketball …

SEIU Local 2: 100 rally for shelter workers at the NS Labour Board to protest certification delay

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Approximately 100 shelter workers and their supporters held a rally this afternoon at the Nova Scotia Labour Board. Shelter workers employed by Adsum at The Bridge participated in a vote last June to …

'Pain to Peace' By J. Young: A Poetic Journey from Struggle to Healing & Empowerment

In a world filled with noise and distractions, spiritual self-help books like "Pain to Peace" by J. Young offer solace, wisdom, and guidance. MIDWEST, IL, UNITED STATES, February 19, 2025 /⁨EINPresswire.com⁩/ -- In a time when the world …

In NCLA Victory, Eighth Circuit Blocks Illegal Biden Admin Plot to Cancel Student Loan Debt

Washington, DC, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has upheld and expanded the district court’s preliminary injunction in Missouri, et al. v. Trump (originally Missouri, et al. v. Biden) to stop the Biden …