Albie Matthews

1 week ago | fwi.co.uk | Albie Matthews

A new petition launched by farmer and campaigner Olly Harrison is calling on the UK government to introduce a 12-month amnesty on proposed changes to Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR). The petition argues that this temporary pause would allow farming families time to transfer land and assets before any changes come into effect following the Autumn Budget 2024.

2 weeks ago | fwi.co.uk | Albie Matthews

The Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (Rsabi) has appointed its first full-time suicide prevention lead, a significant step in addressing rising suicide rates in agriculture and offering vital support to those at risk. Josie Barclay, who comes from a farming family in Moray, joins Rsabi with two years’ experience as a senior mental health practitioner. She holds a social work degree and a postgraduate certificate mental health officer award from Robert Gordon University.

2 weeks ago | fwi.co.uk | Albie Matthews

Defibrillator © Adobe Stock A new initiative aimed at improving survival rates for cardiac arrests in rural areas is empowering farmers in Cumbria with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillator training. The Farmers Heart Safe Project is led by North West Ambulance Service community resuscitation engagement officer Megan Stephenson. It focuses on increasing awareness and confidence in using life-saving techniques to protect both farmers and the wider rural community.

2 weeks ago | fwi.co.uk | Albie Matthews

Campaigners outside the event © MAG/Albie Matthews Amid rising concerns over food shortages, critics are urging the UK government to adopt a wartime approach to safeguard the nation’s food security. At an event organised by the campaign group Save British Farming, farmers and industry experts suggested that, without immediate action, the country could face severe disruption to food supplies.

2 weeks ago | fwi.co.uk | Albie Matthews

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) has launched a new campaign to promote safety in UK farming with the simple yet powerful message: “I am vital to UK agriculture – Stay Safe”. The initiative encourages contractors and the wider farming community to display stickers in visible locations as a constant reminder to prioritise safety. The aim is to foster a culture where everyone takes responsibility for their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.