Farming UK reports that UK dairy farmers have reduced antibiotic use faster than expected, meeting new industry targets within months of their introduction. Kingshay’s latest Antimicrobial Focus Report, covering 967 herds, shows average use fell to 12.2 mg/kg PCU, continuing a long-term decline. Targets set for lactating cows, dry cows and calves were all achieved, with major cuts in high-priority antibiotics. While progress is strong, however, significant regional and herd-level variation remains, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring, disease prevention and good herd health management.

The Sunday Times reports that UK scientists are set to apply for approval to sell genetically modified purple tomatoes in England, potentially opening the door to wider GM food reform. Developed at the John Innes Centre in Norwich by adding two snapdragon genes, the tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, have a longer shelf life and have been already been approved for sale in the US, Canada and Australia. Researchers hope changing attitudes and changes to post-Brexit regulations will allow approval, making the tomato a test case to ease longstanding UK restrictions on GM crops.

Farming UK reports that the UK government is investing £21.5m in 15 farming innovation projects across England to help cut emissions, boost productivity and accelerate the use of new technologies on farms. Funded by Defra through the Farming Innovation Programme with Innovate UK, the projects span dairy, arable and horticulture. Initiatives include vitamin D–enriched tomatoes, low-emissions fertilisers using biological alternatives, and climate-resilient industrial hemp.

Food Ingredients First reports that the European Parliament’s environment committee (ENVI) has backed a trilogue deal on the regulation of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs) in plants, moving it closer to final adoption. The agreement establishes a two-tier system, with NGT-1 plants regulated like conventionally bred crops and NGT-2 plants remaining under full GMO-style rules. EU plant breeding and farming groups welcomed the regulatory certainty for innovation and competitiveness, while consumer and organic organisations warned that reduced traceability and safeguards could threaten organic production and consumer choice.

Farmers Weekly reports that aligning Great Britain’s crop protection rules with the EU under a new Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) deal could cut UK farm incomes by up to £810m and reduce crop production, according to analysis by the Andersons Centre for CropLife UK. A “cliff-edge” alignment in 2027 could see a 3–6% fall in crop gross value added in year one, with wheat, potato and apple output significantly reduced due to lost plant protection tools, altered cropping patterns and higher costs. The report warns of reduced domestic food self-sufficiency and higher prices, urging a managed transition to full alignment instead.

Farmers Weekly reports that empty supermarket shelves in Shetland have sparked debate on UK food security after ferry cancellations caused supply shortages. Efra Committee chair, Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael, shared images from Tesco in Lerwick, highlighting how quickly disruption affects island communities reliant on imported food. Carmichael argued the situation shows why domestic food production matters, calling food security “national security”, and warning that the UK’s declining self-sufficiency leaves communities vulnerable to future supply chain shocks.

Farming UK reports that the government has pledged to cut red tape holding back agri-tech innovation by simplifying farm regulation and reducing administrative costs. As part of its Industrial Strategy, regulatory reviews led by the Department for Business and Trade will streamline rules, cut duplication and paperwork, and support innovation while maintaining protections. Agri-tech has been identified as a key growth sector, with continued investment promised through the Farming Innovation Programme. The NFU welcomed the move but warned that easing regulation alone will not address barriers such as low profitability, limited capital, poor connectivity and low confidence to invest.

BBC News reports that a UK intelligence report has warned that global nature loss poses a serious threat to national security, prosperity and food supplies. It highlights “cascading risks” from collapsing ecosystems such as the Amazon, including conflict, migration, pandemics and rising food prices. The UK’s reliance on fragile global ecosystems means food security could be challenged, with self-sufficiency currently unrealistic without major price rises. While government says the UK remains food-secure, the report stresses urgent action, investment and innovation are needed to reduce long-term risks.

Farmers Weekly reports that former NFU president Baroness Minette Batters has told MPs on the Efra Committee that England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) must be reformed to prioritise food production alongside environmental goals to protect farm profitability and national food security. She warned that removing the Basic Payment Scheme without embedding food production has left English farming exposed, and that the SFI was designed for an era of greater public spending and must adapt to tighter finances. She also urged greater support for food-producing crops, reduced reliance on imported soya and improved access to market intelligence.

Farmers Weekly reports that George Freeman MP, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Science and Technology in Agriculture (APPGSTA), has urged the government to prioritise agri-tech investment and treat UK agriculture as a strategic industry. Speaking at the Croptec Show, he warned that productive farming was being neglected despite the UK’s global strength in agricultural research. Mr Freeman said too little science is translated into on-farm innovation. He also warned that shrinking farmland and fragmented policies threaten productivity, food security and future investment without an urgent policy reset.