With the first quarter of 2026 now firmly behind us, I thought I would look back at what we have been up to and perhaps dare to guess at what Q2 might have in store.
Much of our political engagement of late has related to animal welfare, particularly in light of the recent publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy (AWS).
At the end of January, there were two debates relating to animal welfare in agriculture. A Westminster Hall debate on the strategy covered a range of issues, including matters relating to farrowing systems and the use of carbon dioxide in abattoirs. The second was a debate on agricultural imports and their effect on UK food production.
It was clear in both that our briefing with parliamentarians is hitting home. While there is an ambition to improve domestic standards, there is an awareness that this cannot be done in isolation. Farmers need the time and support to make this transition work and, crucially, must be protected from imports that risk undermining this work.
‘Protect farmers’
Responding to the second debate, Defra minister Dame Angela Eagle assured MPs they are working closely with the industry to deliver the transition away from conventional farrowing systems, and they do not want the ‘law of unintended consequences’ to apply.
She finished by saying: “We will protect our farmers, uphold our standards and back British food at home and abroad. That is what food security means, and that is what this government will deliver.”
We continue to work with the government on the next steps of the AWS and around how it plans to start its delivery phase.
Lizzie recently joined other industry representatives for a ministerial roundtable with Baroness Hayman and Dame Angela. The NPA made the point, again, that, while supportive of the ambitions, they will be pointless if not delivered in partnership with industry.
We also need an enabling planning system, alongside a sensible transition period, to ensure the mistakes of the past are not repeated.
Further engagement
Over the past three months the NPA has also taken part in a further ministerial roundtable relating to water pollution, a roundtable discussion with the shadow Defra front bench team, a policy-focused ‘speed dating’ session with the other UK farming unions and the EFRA Committee, and face-to-face meetings with the shadow secretary of state, Victoria Atkins, EFRA Committee chair Alistair Carmichael, two additional backbench MPs and policy officials at Reform UK.
We have also had a further three MPs out on local farms in their areas and, as part of our role with the APPG on UK food security, held our annual parliamentary breakfast event in February, providing another really good opportunity for us to check in with some of our key stakeholders in parliament. I hope you will agree that we have been keeping busy.
So, what’s coming down the track? The political picture remains challenging, and while I may seem like a bit of a broken record, some tricky elections are coming in just a matter of weeks. If current polling proves to be correct, the government is going to have some tough results. Many see this as the prime minister’s final opportunity to deliver, with poor results potentially spelling an end to his leadership.
Whether or not this happens, a further reshuffle later this year (possibly ahead of summer) is looking likely.
UK-EU reset
Amid all the uncertainty, particularly over actions in the Middle East, one element is certain, and that is the upcoming UK-EU reset and sanitary and phytosanitary deal. There is further information on the deal and what it might mean for you on our website, but as I see it, there are two main takeaways.
The first is that this deal is being concluded quickly, and we are likely to have negotiations finalised within the next few months. The implementing legislation will be passed by the end of the year, with the new deal in force by mid-2027.
The second is the importance of understanding how this will impact you and your business. Whether you are a producer, breeding company, processor or vet, the deal will more than likely require a change in how you operate. The government currently has a ‘call for information’ open until April 23.
It is specifically looking to hear from impacted businesses, to understand more about your awareness of the deal and the need to make changes, the costs and timelines associated with EU alignment, and any further support you might require.
My final plea would be for as many businesses as possible to engage with this, as it will affect you and your farm. Again, there is guidance on all of this on our website, but please reach out if we can be of any help.