"We are very happy the government has agreed to allow additional seasonal workers from Eastern Europe to enter the country," said Joachim Rukwied, president of the German Farmers' Association (DBV). He said the deal took into account the needs of DBV members, as well as members of the GLFA, Germany's umbrella organization of agricultural and forestry employer associations. "Our businesses will strictly adhere to current health guidelines set out by the Robert Koch Institute designed to halt the spread of infection," Rukwied said. "And the decision will allow us to keep working." … [Read more...] about Germany drafts Romanian farm labor for coronavirus pandemic
Farming
African swine fever outbreak reported in western Poland
The spread of ASF on pig farms and in wild boars in western Poland is a concern for Germany, Europe’s top pork producer with approximately 26 million pigs. Germany is also the EU’s second largest pork exporter to non-EU markets, after Spain. Most German exports go to China, South Korea and Japan. Should any of those markets – China in particular – classify Germany as an ASF country, it could herald a major crisis for the German pork industry. … [Read more...] about African swine fever outbreak reported in western Poland
Fears of food shortages unless an extra 40,000 people volunteer to pick crops for the £15-an-hour Land Army within weeks – amid warnings produce from abroad is also set to dry up because of travel bans, fewer flights and rising freight costs
Recent Kantar data indicates that previous to March 23rd, 20% of all evening meals were consumed in eateries outside the home. Post lockdown, this 20% volume has been added to shopping lists and the money spent in supermarkets across the UK, which means more potential profit for your company. It would be satisfying to think that you would share this tiny glimmer of light in our new and dark world with both your customers and your suppliers, but instead it appears that special offers have been withdrawn, prices have been hiked on certain goods, and producers have been subject to a squeeze on farm gate prices through processing suppliers. Whilst we appreciate that your own staff deserve monetary reward for the extra effort they have made, we would expect that our supermarkets would support British agriculture at a time when they too are working extra hard. There are other key sector workers standing shoulder to shoulder in this fight, and no one is suggesting they work harder but get … [Read more...] about Fears of food shortages unless an extra 40,000 people volunteer to pick crops for the £15-an-hour Land Army within weeks – amid warnings produce from abroad is also set to dry up because of travel bans, fewer flights and rising freight costs
Fury as Asda and Sainsbury’s stock up on imported POLISH beef while British farmers struggle in coronavirus crisis – despite shoppers REJECTING it on shelves
The point of this missive is not to denigrate the excellent job the supermarkets are currently doing. You rely on us, we rely on you. We are all in uncharted waters, and finding a way forward is imperative. Our symbiotic relationship requires some adaptation to the current situation so we can continue to provide you with an excellent choice of home-sourced produce, and we would like to make a few suggestions. As you have obviously discovered, there is a deficit of mince in the system. This is largely due to carcass imbalance which has been created by closure of the restaurant sector. It would help to balance the supply chain if you targeted your special offers on different carcass areas – steaks or roasting joints for example, along with appropriate recipe cards which utilise these. Perhaps now is a great time to bring back the tradition of a family Sunday roast, whatever the meat of choice may be. And while we, the producers, would applaud an increase in your staff wages, … [Read more...] about Fury as Asda and Sainsbury’s stock up on imported POLISH beef while British farmers struggle in coronavirus crisis – despite shoppers REJECTING it on shelves
‘He is optimistic, determined and resilient’: Boris Johnson’s father Stanley believes PM has the strength to beat coronavirus as he reveals he is being kept in the dark about his son’s condition
He was admitted to St Thomas' in London at around 8pm on Sunday, ten days after testing positive. Doctors advised him to seek treatment as his 'persistent symptoms', including a cough and a temperature, had not improved. His slow recovery is a red flag for complications including pneumonia. No 10 said it was a 'precautionary step' so Mr Johnson could have routine tests, which are likely to include procedures which can only be done in hospital. … [Read more...] about ‘He is optimistic, determined and resilient’: Boris Johnson’s father Stanley believes PM has the strength to beat coronavirus as he reveals he is being kept in the dark about his son’s condition
