Will a new carbon tax push up fertiliser prices? Has the farming industry successfully regulated its own pesticide use? And could English olive oil become the next big farming opportunity?

In this episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast, we examine the government’s latest proposals for a carbon tax on imported fertiliser – and what they could mean for farm businesses when the new rules take effect in January 2027.

New figures suggest the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could initially cost considerably less than feared. But with fertiliser prices already rising, growers remain concerned about the longer-term implications.

We speak to Harriet Trewin of the Agricultural Industries Confederation about the likely impact on ammonium nitrate prices and what farmers should do ahead of the changes.

We also visit Parliament to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Voluntary Initiative, the industry-led scheme promoting responsible pesticide use.

Voluntary Initiative chairman David Bell explains why good stewardship is increasingly important as farmers face the loss of key crop protection products.

Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain discusses the importance of industry self-regulation and the need for government support.

Meanwhile, in Lincolnshire, farmer David Hoyles is bringing a taste of the Mediterranean to the Fens with what is believed to be Britain’s first commercial olive harvest.

After investing £1 million and planting 18,000 olive trees, he is producing premium English olive oil. We visit his farm near Spalding to discover how the venture is progressing.

Plus, our latest autumn drilling update with Bayer Crop Science examines the balance between delayed drilling, grassweed control and crop establishment.

We also bring you the latest UK livestock and arable commodity prices, discuss farmland bird populations and preview Farmers Weekly Live, taking place at Stoneleigh Park in July 2027.

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is hosted by Johann Tasker, with Farmers Weekly deputy editor Abi Kay and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker.

This episode is brought to you by Bayer Crop Science – weeding out uncertainty.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction and this week’s headlines
00:56 – Fertiliser carbon tax: What will CBAM cost farmers?
01:28 – Harriet Truan, AIC: Latest estimates and fertiliser price implications
05:14 – Analysis: Carbon taxes, farm margins and global competition
10:34 – Autumn Drilling Update: Grassweed control with Bayer Crop Science
13:08 – The Voluntary Initiative celebrates 25 years
13:38 – David Bell: Responsible pesticide use and protecting active ingredients
17:21 – Wendy Chamberlain MP: Why industry self-regulation matters
19:37 – Analysis: Has the Voluntary Initiative been successful?
26:11 – Farmers Weekly Live: Plans for July 2027
28:40 – On the farm: Rainfall, cover crops and farmland bird populations
31:05 – Commodity markets: Latest livestock, grain and fuel prices
32:38 – Britain’s first commercial olive harvest gets underway
33:15 – David Hoyles: Growing olives and producing premium English olive oil
36:19 – Analysis: Could olive growing take off across Britain?
40:39 – Closing thoughts and next week’s podcast

Guests

Harriet Trewin – Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC).
David Bell – Chairman of the Voluntary Initiative and Scottish farmer.
Wendy Chamberlain MP – Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife.
David Hoyles – Lincolnshire farmer and founder of the English Olive Company.

Useful links

Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC)
UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
The Voluntary Initiative
Farmers Weekly Live
English Olive Company
National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO)

To get in touch with the Farmers Weekly Podcast: -

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