Defra Launches Consultation on UK–EU SPS Agreement to Ease Food Trade

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has launched a Call for Information. This is on a proposed UK–EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.

The agreement, targeted for implementation in mid-2027, aims to remove routine border checks on products. These include dairy, fish, eggs and red meat.

Officials say the changes could significantly reduce costs for businesses. As a result, they could improve the speed of cross border food trade between the UK and the European Union.

The consultation is designed to gather input from industry stakeholders on how the agreement could be structured and implemented.

The proposed SPS deal forms part of wider efforts to streamline post-Brexit trade processes. At the same time, it maintains food safety and biosecurity standards.

---

Source: Defra Consultation | 9 March 2026 (Updated 17 March 2026)

Tesco Purchases €900m of Irish Products for Export to Global Stores

Retail giant Tesco has confirmed it is purchasing around €900 million worth of Irish products for export to its international store network.

According to reporting by the Irish Times, the move highlights the growing role of Ireland as a key supplier within Tesco’s global sourcing strategy.

The products will be distributed across Tesco’s overseas markets, supporting Irish food producers and expanding export opportunities beyond traditional destinations.

Industry observers say the deal reinforces the strength of Ireland’s agri-food sector and its reputation for quality in international markets.

The agreement also underlines the importance of major retail partnerships in driving export growth for Irish meat and food producers.

---

Source: Irish Times / Irish Independent | 18 March 2026

EU and Australia Near €49bn Trade Deal with Beef Access Breakthrough

The European Union and Australia are reportedly close to finalising a major trade agreement worth around €49 billion after six years of negotiations.

According to reporting by EU Perspectives, a key breakthrough has been reached on agricultural access, with the EU prepared to allow up to 30,000 tonnes of Australian beef under preferential terms.

Beef market access has been one of the most sensitive issues in the negotiations, with European producers historically cautious about increased imports.

The deal is expected to cover a wide range of sectors, including critical minerals such as lithium, alongside agri-food trade.

Industry observers say the agreement could reshape global beef trade flows, with potential implications for UK and EU markets if Australian imports increase.

---

Source: EU Perspectives | 17 March 2026

Spanish Pork Exports Hit as One Third of Certificates Blocked After ASF Outbreak

Spain’s pork export trade has been disrupted after around one third of export certificates were blocked following the recent African swine fever (ASF) outbreak.

According to reporting by The Straits Times, restrictions were introduced after ASF was detected in wild boar near Barcelona.

Spanish authorities said exports within the European Union have remained largely unaffected, but several international markets have imposed controls or bans on Spanish pork.

The Spanish agriculture minister indicated that the situation is being closely managed, though the loss of export certificates is already impacting trade flows.

The development highlights how rapidly animal disease outbreaks can affect global pork markets, particularly for major exporters such as Spain.

---

Source: The Straits Times | 17 March 2026

Clarkson Joins Debate Over Imported Chicken in Welsh Schools

TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson has entered the debate over the use of imported chicken in Welsh schools.

According to reporting by BBC Wales, concerns have been raised about schools serving imported poultry rather than locally sourced Welsh produce.

The issue has sparked wider discussion around public sector food sourcing, with critics arguing that schools should prioritise domestic supply to support local farmers.

Supporters of current procurement practices point to cost pressures and supply constraints as key factors influencing sourcing decisions.

The debate highlights ongoing tensions between affordability and supporting local agriculture within public food contracts.

---

Source: BBC Wales / AOL News | 17 March 2026

UK Sheep Market Strengthens as Demand Outpaces Tight Supply

The UK sheep market is showing renewed strength as strong demand continues to outpace limited supply.

According to analysis from Scotland’s Rural College, deadweight lamb prices have risen to around 765.5p/kg, reflecting firm market conditions.

The increase is being supported by seasonal demand linked to religious festivals alongside tight domestic and European sheep supplies.

Despite the current strength, analysts warn that the longer term outlook could face volatility from increased global competition and wider geopolitical uncertainty.

For now, market fundamentals remain supportive, with limited livestock availability continuing to underpin prices across the sector.

---

Source: SRUC | 16 March 2026

UK Farmers Face Rising Costs as Iran Conflict Drives Fuel and Fertiliser Prices Higher

UK farmers are facing rising input costs as the escalating conflict involving Iran pushes up global fuel and fertiliser prices.

According to reporting by The Guardian, the disruption to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz has increased energy market volatility. This has had knock on effects for fertiliser production and agricultural fuel costs.

Farmers warn the surge in input prices is creating a cost pressure just as the spring planting season begins.

Fertiliser markets have been particularly affected. Prices for nitrogen based products such as urea have risen sharply amid concerns about supply disruptions.

UK farming organisations say the situation risks intensifying the cost price squeeze facing producers. Therefore, they are calling for government support to help stabilise the sector.

---

Source: The Guardian | 14 March 2026

Argentina’s Meat Industry Opens Up Under Milei Reforms

Argentina’s meat sector is undergoing major structural changes following reforms introduced by President Javier Milei aimed at deregulating the country’s beef industry.

According to analysis reported by Meating Place, the reforms are removing long standing export restrictions and market controls that previously limited the sector’s growth.

Argentina has historically been one of the world’s largest beef producers, but government intervention in recent decades has often constrained exports and investment in the industry.

Industry analysts say the new policies could allow Argentina to expand production and increase its presence in global beef markets if the reforms are sustained.

Observers note that the country’s vast cattle herd and strong beef production tradition position it as a potential major competitor in international meat trade should the sector fully liberalise.

---

Source: Meating Place | 13 March 2026

Lidl Signs €75m Irish Beef Supply Deal with Liffey Meats

Supermarket retailer Lidl has agreed a major supply contract with Irish processor Liffey Meats worth approximately €75 million.

According to reporting by RTÉ, the agreement will see Liffey Meats supply Irish beef products to Lidl stores across Ireland. This will take place over training years.

The deal is expected to support Irish beef farmers through increased demand for locally sourced cattle. It will also strengthen Lidl’s commitment to Irish food supply chains.

Industry figures say long term retail supply agreements such as this can provide greater stability for processors and producers. They achieve this by securing consistent outlets for beef production.

The announcement highlights the continued importance of supermarket partnerships in supporting Ireland’s livestock sector.

---

Source: RTÉ | 13 March 2026

UK Livestock Slaughter Statistics Released for December 2025

New official figures have been released showing the number of cattle, sheep and pigs slaughtered across the UK in December 2025.

According to data published by Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the statistics provide an updated snapshot of livestock throughput in UK abattoirs. This is part of the government’s regular slaughter reporting programme.

The dataset tracks the number of animals processed across the cattle, sheep and pig sectors. It offers insight into production trends and supply levels within the UK meat industry.

Monthly slaughter figures are widely used by market analysts and industry stakeholders to monitor livestock availability. In addition, they help analyse processing capacity and seasonal production patterns.

The release forms part of Defra’s historical statistical notices covering UK slaughter numbers and related livestock production indicators.

---

Source: Defra / GOV.UK | 12 March 2026