Albie Matthews

London

Reporter at Farmers Weekly

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Articles

DIY AGM Blackpool: Mixed emotions as farmers come to town

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

© Ben Hesketh Photography I’d never been to the DIY AGM before – just heard the stories. A wild, unofficial young farmers’ weekend that’s half community, half free-for-all. What I got was something in between: it felt like freshers’ week, but with more local animosity. By the time I arrived, just before noon on the Friday, Blackpool was already humming — a sea of mullets, harlequin shorts, and high spirits.
Emily Norton named new chairman of AHDB

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

Emily Norton has been appointed as the new chairman of the AHDB, taking up the role for three years from 1 June 2025. With more than 25 years of experience in the food and farming sector, Ms Norton succeeds Nicholas Saphir, who steps down after more than five years in post. The appointment was made by Defra ministers with approval from ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Petition calls for 12-month amnesty on property relief

1 month 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.
RSABI appoints first suicide prevention lead

1 month 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.
Farmers across Cumbria benefit from life-saving training

1 month 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.
Save British Farming warns of severe food supply disruption

1 month 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.
New safety campaign urges farmers to 'Stay Safe'

1 month 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.
Fund offers organic farmers interest-free loans

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

Produce On A Stall At A Farmers Market In Devon Organic and ecological farming businesses across the UK can now apply for interest-free, unsecured loans of up to £25,000 from the Dean Organic Fund. It is aimed at small or start-up businesses unable to secure commercial funding, offering loans of between £5,000 and £25,000, repayable over two to five years.
Spalding Model Tractor Show raises £1,810 for charity

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

Fram Farmers machinery buyer Dan Hewitt and his wife Kerry Gooden raffled off a unique model at the recent Spalding Model Tractor Show, raising £1,810 for Breast Cancer Now. The couple, who took over the show three years ago, sold tickets to win a hand-built miniature replica of the Bailey silage trailer, paired with a colour-matched JCB Fastrac 8330.
Farmers to benefit from assurance scheme improvements

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

The NFU has set out how it intends to drive forward “much needed change and better delivery” for farm assurance schemes. In response to the independent review of farm assurance published in January, the NFU – which is a joint owner of Red Tractor – says it is required to be directly involved in 13 of the review’s 56 recommendations.