New modelling shows reduced yields of some crops if widely used herbicide is withdrawn, with alternative approaches to weed control offering mixed outcomes.

A ban on glyphosate could lead to an increase in weed abundance and a decrease in the yields of some crops, according to a new modelling study.

Although the environmental risks associated with this herbicide would be eased, alternative approaches to weed control had mixed outcomes for the environment, food production and profitability, although some show potential benefits.

Yield10 Bioscience - an agricultural biotechnology company - has announced that approval has been granted by the United States Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS) for the growing and breeding of Yield10’s Camelina sativa varieties, developed using genetic engineering to produce omega-3 fatty acids.

Due to historical and continued overexploitation of wild fish populations, traditional fish oil sources are creating gaps in supply and driving the growing demand for new sources of omega-3. By utilising Camelina as a land-based production platform, Yield10 aims to provide a new, reliable supply for omega-3 fatty acids, which can supply the aquaculture industry, and other consumers, whilst reducing their environmental impact.

“This regulatory milestone represents a critical step for enabling the ramp-up of Camelina planting to commercial scale in the US for producing omega-3 oil for key markets including aquafeed and human nutrition,” said Dr Kristi Snell, chief science officer of Yield10 Bioscience, in a press release announcing the progress.

Bayer, the chemical conglomerate, has announced its endeavour to develop an alternative to the controversial herbicide glyphosate, as recently disclosed by CEO Bill Anderson to the German newspaper ‘Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung’. Here’s what we know about this new product expected to hit the market by 2028.

Bayer is currently in the process of developing an alternative to glyphosate, the active ingredient in weed killers like Roundup. According to Anderson, the new substance is undergoing plant testing, with plans for market availability by 2028. Anderson stated, “Our aim is to bring the new product to market in 2028”, considering it as a groundbreaking innovation in chemical crop protection after thirty years.

Jan Cees Bron, responsible for Communications, Public Affairs, Science & Sustainability Benelux at Bayer, emphasizes that the new product should be viewed as an alternative to glyphosate, with potential for reducing its usage. He adds that the new herbicide is expected to cover a broad spectrum and will initially be introduced for soybean cultivation, with later expansion to other crops such as corn and cereals.

New applicants to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will only be able to put 25% of their land into six actions that take land out of food production, Defra has confirmed.

It comes after around 1% of farmers that applied to SFI 2023 applied to put 80% or more of their farm into six non-productive actions. Defra said today (25 March), that it will cap the six actions in order to "support farmers primary role of food production".

Defra ministers have been accused of a “dereliction of duty” following claims they are ignoring their own science and pursuing policies in England that will undermine national food security.

The claims come from the pro-science think tank Science for Sustainable Agriculture (SSA), which has written to the cross-party Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) committee, demanding an “urgent inquiry” into the impact of the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes.

The letter says a recent impact assessment of the ELM scheme, commissioned by Defra, identifies “multiple risks to both food production and the environment from its ‘land sharing’ policies”.

The drastic reduction in crops expected due to the wet weather has shown just how vulnerable British farms are, the NFU has warned.

The union said the government must boost UK food security as farmers continue to face wet weather, with many thousands of acres of farmland affected.

The warning is in response to an AHDB survey showing that yields of crops such as wheat, winter barley and oilseed rape are likely to be significantly reduced this year.

Researchers are set to harness the power of gene editing to address numerous challenges facing the UK potato sector. With new legislation allowing the commercial development of gene edited crops, the project could transform the sector.

Led by B-hive Innovations, the new research project, called TuberGene, is funded as part of UKRI’s National Engineering Biology Programme.

It aims to use new gene editing technology to address these challenges while securing a sustainable future for the sector. Researchers will focus on two key goals: reducing bruising-related discoloration and making potatoes quicker to cook.

A proposed tax on the carbon footprint of agricultural businesses in Denmark is being considered which, if implemented, could make it the first country to impose this type of taxation.

The potential tax is forecast to have a substantial impact on production within the Danish farming sector and has faced criticism from industry.

Denmark already has tough targets in place and aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 base levels.

It is integral to UK food security that issues regarding the ongoing insect decline are addressed, a cross party group of MPs have said in a new report. They have called for "effective and sustainable crop protection strategies to be demonstrated at a commercial scale" to address the issue.

The government must also begin to better support the development, regulation and practical application of pesticide alternatives. The calls have been made in a new report by the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

The government has unveiled legislation to modernise the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, including measures to help tackle antimicrobial resistance.

The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 set out the controls on the marketing, manufacture, distribution and possession of vet medicines and medicated feed. They are seen as a critical tool to help protect livestock and pet health, public health and the environment.

Modernising it further will see the government reduce regulatory burden; with new regulations facilitating the submission of one marketing authorisation application dossier and enabling common packaging to be used across the UK.