UK Government Urged to Seek Carve Outs in EU Trade Deal

The UK government has been urged to seek specific carve-outs from EU regulatory alignment in ongoing trade talks, amid warnings that British farmers could be undercut by lower-standard imports.

In a new report, the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee (EFRA) called on ministers to pursue Swiss-style exemptions from “dynamic alignment” with the EU on animal welfare standards, precision breeding and pesticide regulation as part of negotiations on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.

MPs warned that without flexibility, UK producers could face competitive disadvantages, particularly if regulatory changes are imposed at speed or without sufficient transitional support. The committee said maintaining the UK’s ability to diverge where appropriate is essential to protect farm businesses and investment confidence.

The report also recommends a minimum 24-month implementation period for any future regulatory changes agreed with the EU, arguing that farmers, processors and supply chains need adequate time to adapt systems, contracts and compliance processes.

EFRA said that while smoother SPS arrangements could reduce friction at the border and support agri-food exports, this should not come at the cost of locking the UK into permanent regulatory alignment that limits innovation or policy choice.

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Source: UK Parliament – EFRA Committee | 5 February 2026

Loss of Local Abattoirs Hits Farmers and Welfare

The number of licensed abattoirs operating in the UK has fallen to just 203, down from around 2,500 in the 1970s, raising concerns over animal welfare, farmer viability and local food supply chains.

According to Sustainable Food Trust, the decline is forcing livestock to travel longer distances to slaughter, increasing costs and welfare pressures while limiting farmers’ ability to sell meat locally and direct to consumers.

The impact is particularly acute for the organic sector, where the Trust reports that 19% of organic farmers have been forced to stop selling meat as organic due to a lack of suitable local processing capacity. Smaller producers often rely on nearby abattoirs to maintain traceability, quality and welfare standards demanded by premium markets.

Industry observers warn that continued consolidation risks locking producers out of higher-value routes to market, while concentrating processing capacity in fewer, larger plants. This trend can reduce resilience during disruptions and makes it harder for new entrants and niche producers to operate profitably.

The Sustainable Food Trust has called for policy intervention to protect remaining facilities and support investment in small and medium-scale abattoirs, arguing that local processing is essential to high welfare standards, rural economies and consumer choice.

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Source: Sustainable Food Trust | 3 February 2026

Farmers Occupy Bord Bia Offices Over Brazilian Beef Imports

A group of Irish farmers has continued a sit-down protest inside Bord Bia’s headquarters in Dublin, now entering its second week, amid ongoing controversy over Brazilian beef imports.

According to reporting by Irish Examiner and RTÉ, around 30 members of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) are occupying the building, demanding decisive action against Bord Bia chairman Larry Murrin.

The protest follows confirmation that Dawn Foods, where Mr Murrin is chief executive, imported a small volume of Brazilian beef. While the quantity involved represents a fraction of overall supply, the issue has become highly symbolic at a time when Irish farmers are strongly opposing the EU–Mercosur trade agreement and expressing concerns over standards, traceability and market integrity.

Protesters argue that the situation represents a conflict of interest and undermines Bord Bia’s role in promoting Irish food on global markets. Farming organisations have called for governance reforms and clearer separation between industry leadership and promotional bodies.

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Source: Irish Examiner  | 3 February 2026

AHDB Launches Expanded British Pork Marketing Campaign

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed the return of its flagship pork campaign, “This is British pork. But not as you know it”, with an expanded programme designed to keep pork relevant all year round.

For 2026, the campaign will run across three TV-led bursts, including the first-ever summer television push for British pork. AHDB said the move reflects a strategy to drive consistent demand beyond traditional seasonal peaks.

The previous autumn campaign delivered record results, with purchase intent reaching 84% and retail pork volumes rising by 2.7%, underlining the effectiveness of sustained consumer-facing promotion at a time when households remain price-conscious.

The refreshed campaign will continue to focus on versatility, quality and modern usage occasions, positioning pork as a flexible protein suited to everyday meals as well as premium dishes. AHDB believes this approach is critical to defending pork’s share of the protein market amid competition from poultry and plant-based alternatives.

Industry representatives have broadly welcomed the expanded marketing effort, noting that demand-side support is essential as producers and processors navigate ongoing cost pressures, changing consumer habits and tighter margins.

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Source: AHDB | 2 February 2026

Quality Meat Scotland Launches New Campaign to Support Local Butchers

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has launched a new multi-channel marketing campaign. The campaign is aimed at boosting footfall for independent butchers and supporting members of the Scotch Butchers Club.

The campaign will run across radio, digital and in-store channels. Radio advertising alone is expected to reach around 1.5 million listeners. QMS said the initiative is designed to reinforce the value of local butchers. This comes at a time when many are facing pressure from rising costs and changing consumer shopping habits.

Messaging will focus on quality, provenance and trust. It will highlight the role of Scotch Butchers Club members in delivering high-welfare Scottish meat backed by assured standards. The campaign also aims to remind consumers of the expertise and service offered by local butchers. This is compared with larger retail formats.

QMS said driving demand at butcher level remains critical to maintaining value across the supply chain. This supports livestock producers while protecting traditional routes to market for premium Scottish beef, lamb and pork.

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Source: Quality Meat Scotland | 3 February 2026

Sussex Venison Project Targets Students with Sustainable Protein

A Sussex-based initiative is aiming to make wild venison more accessible to students and local residents, positioning it as a sustainable and affordable protein while helping to address rising deer populations.

According to BBC News, the Sussex Grazed Meatbox Project is supplying locally sourced venison to households and student communities, linking food affordability with environmental management.

The project is designed to tackle overgrazing by expanding deer numbers, which have been blamed for damage to woodland ecology and biodiversity across parts of southern England. By creating a viable route to market for wild venison, organisers say the scheme supports responsible population control while reducing reliance on imported proteins.

Venison is being promoted for its nutritional profile, including high protein content and low fat, alongside strong sustainability credentials when sourced from managed wild populations. The initiative also aims to demystify venison for younger consumers, many of whom may be unfamiliar with cooking or purchasing game meat.

Supporters argue that projects like this could play a wider role in diversifying UK protein consumption, supporting rural supply chains and aligning food systems more closely with land management and environmental goals.

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Source: BBC News | 3 February 2026

China’s Agricultural Policy Tackles Meat Oversupply Pressures

China has signalled a renewed focus on addressing meat sector oversupply and falling farmgate prices. This is part of its annual “No. 1 document” setting out agricultural policy priorities for the year ahead.

According to Reuters, the policy document prioritises grain security and agri-tech innovation. It also acknowledges mounting pressure on livestock producers caused by excess meat production and weak prices, particularly in pork.

China’s meat industry has struggled with compressed margins, following rapid herd rebuilding after African swine fever. There has also been continued expansion by large-scale producers. The result has been periodic oversupply. This has weighed on producer profitability and prompted calls for tighter supply discipline and improved efficiency.

The government’s policy framework emphasises technological upgrading, productivity gains and risk management, rather than direct production cuts. Moreover, officials have highlighted the role of data-driven farming, genetics, feed efficiency and disease control in stabilising output and supporting long-term sustainability.

Analysts note that while China remains committed to domestic self-sufficiency, the recognition of oversupply pressures suggests policymakers are increasingly aware of the need to balance production growth with market demand. This could influence future decisions on herd expansion, credit availability and support for smaller producers.

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Source: Reuters | 3 February 2026

Japan’s Food Exports Hit Record in 2025 on Strong US Demand

Japan’s food exports reached a record high in 2025, driven by surging demand from the United States, reinforcing the country’s growing position as a premium food exporter despite domestic production constraints.

According to Reuters, Japanese food shipments rose strongly year-on-year, with the US retaining its position as Japan’s largest export market. High-value products such as wagyu beef, seafood, processed foods and alcoholic beverages were among the strongest performers.

The expansion reflects rising US consumer interest in premium, origin-led food products, as well as improved market access and branding efforts by Japanese exporters. Wagyu beef continues to play a central role, benefiting from strong foodservice demand and the perception of Japanese products as safe, traceable and high quality.

The Japanese government has set ambitious targets to grow food exports as a pillar of rural economic policy, supporting farmers and processors through marketing initiatives, export infrastructure investment and trade promotion.

Analysts note that Japan’s export growth comes amid tight domestic supply and rising production costs, particularly for livestock. This has raised questions about how far export volumes can expand without putting additional pressure on the domestic market.

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Source: Reuters | 3 February 2026

Chinese Consumers Drive Demand for Traditional Black Pig Breeds

China’s pork market is seeing a notable shift in consumer preferences, with growing demand for traditional black pig breeds as buyers increasingly turn away from mass-produced pork derived from Western “white pig” genetics.

According to Reuters, China’s expanding middle class — particularly older consumers — is seeking pork with stronger flavour, firmer texture and perceived quality advantages associated with heritage black hogs.

Industry analysts expect black pig numbers to rise by around 50% between 2024 and 2026, reaching 30–32 million head. While still a niche, this would represent roughly 5% of China’s total pig population, signalling a meaningful premium segment rather than a wholesale shift in production.

The trend reflects broader changes in Chinese consumption patterns, where quality, provenance and eating experience are increasingly prioritised over volume and price. Black pigs typically grow more slowly and are more expensive to rear, but command significantly higher retail prices, particularly in fresh meat and speciality dishes.

For global pork markets, analysts note the move could have mixed implications. While China remains heavily reliant on high-efficiency commercial breeds to meet overall demand, growth in black pig production may slightly temper import demand for certain pork categories, while creating opportunities for premium genetics, breeding technology and niche exports.

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Source: Reuters | 2 February 2026