Coronavirus: Updates and advice

The government has today announced that Seasonal Agricultural Workers will be exempt from the 14-day quarantine requirement for people entering the UK.

The NFU is working to provide clarity for members on what the coronavirus outbreak and its impacts will mean for farm businesses. You'll find regular updates of work we are doing on members' behalf here.

The NFU has worked with Defra on guidance for public rights of way following concerns about the amount of people taking to the countryside amid the coronavirus outbreak. Find out more.

The NFU's Specialist Advice Team is monitoring the impact of coronavirus in the workplace. This Q&A will be updated as and when new information and guidance is released.

The government has issued new guidance to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Find out what you need to know.

Find information on the government's emergency rescue package, as well as other financial measures, put in place to support businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Updated 13 May: The situation relating to coronavirus is continuously changing which is expected to bring a new set of challenges to the arable sector. This page will be updated as and when information is available.

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Get advice on contacting Natural England and the Environment Agency, and rural concerns such policing and rural crime, energy supplies, broadband and mobile coverage, water and wastewater bills, planning and infrastructure developments.

Updated 22 May: The NFU's Specialist Advice Team is monitoring the impact of coronavirus in the workplace. This Q&A will be updated as and when new information and guidance is released.

Updated 22 May: This page from the NFU's Specialist Advice Team looks at new guidance from the government on furlough leave and the new Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Impacts of COVID-19 continue to contribute to the increased demand for eggs in the retail sector. The NFU poultry board is working on a suite of potential solutions. Find out the details in this briefing for NFU members,

Updated 21 May. On this page you'll find details on self-isolation and how that translates on farm, tips for staying at home, lone working and farm safety advice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This page will signpost you to key information and guidance on issues affecting you as a result of COVID-19. Topics covered include farm business concerns, government support for businesses, environment and rural concerns, wellbeing and supply chain.

COVID-19: Planning legislation and processes update - including emergency powers for health and local authorities.

British Wool has issued a statement regarding the impact of COVID-19 on producer payments. To read the statement and what it means for industry click here.

AHDB has launched an online portal to help put potato growers and wholesale buyers in touch with each other. Find out how it works.

The Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund were announced in March and the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund or Top-up Grant was announced at the beginning of May. Find out if you're eligible to claim.

We've put together a reminder for members on the Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme and Growth Programme in relation to the challenges of COVID-19.

With the confirmed reopening of garden centres, NFU Horticulture and Potatoes Adviser Emily Roads takes a look at how the NFU secured this policy change, and the action being taken to secure financial support for growers.

Hear from NFU President Minette Batters in response to news that garden centres will reopen on Wednesday 13 May.

Retailers have responded to the NFU's open letter highlighting the actions they have taken in order to back the British ornamental sector through the coronavirus pandemic.

The NFU wants to better understand disruption to the supply of face masks and other PPE needed for normal day to day operations. Take our online survey now.

The NFU's new food service and procurement adviser Bethan Williams updates on the work of the team and provides her insight on how food service will remain critical to farm businesses over the coming months.

NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes provides an update on how the coronavirus is impacting the dairy sector and how the NFU is working to support its members during the crisis

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman Ali Capper and HTA chairman James Barnes have written an open letter to growers explaining how they have been working together for the sector.

NFU members who have been impacted by changes made by Freshways can now watch a member-exclusive video from NFU dairy and legal experts.

Hear from NFU President Minette Batters and NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes on the government's announcement.

A new joint-funded campaign is set to highlight the role fresh milk and dairy plays during the current coronavirus crisis. Find out more about the campaign and hear from NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes.

Minette Batters has given evidence to government on how food production sectors and labour supply had been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Updated 6 May. With the increase in people spending more time at home due to COVID-19, fly-tipping has become a serious issue in rural areas. Click here to stay up to date with the NFU's fly-tipping guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

NFU combinable crops board chairman Matt Culley provides an update on how the coronavirus is impacting the arable sector and how the NFU is working to support its members.

NFU horticulture and potatoes board chairman Ali Capper gives an update on seasonal workers, ornamentals, potatoes, hops and cider apples in her latest monthly update.

NFU poultry board chairman Thomas Wornham gives an update on the situation facing the sector and the NFU's work with retailers.

With the country now well into lockdown, NFU livestock board chairman Richard Findlay gives an update on the situation facing the sector and the NFU's work to support and promote British beef and lamb to the public.

COVID-19: Information on different payment methods and the support available from banks for farm businesses.

Updated 14 May: Certification bodies, UKAS, Defra and UK farm assurance schemes are working to ensure the UK's food and traceability systems remain robust through the COVID-19 pandemic. Get a summary of the current position.

Updated 5 May: The NFU dairy team has gathered commonly asked questions surrounding the ongoing COVID-19 situation and provided a Q&A briefing for up-to-date guidance and support specifically for the sector.

A brief summary of the activity on behalf of members from the NFU's BPS team. Various work streams are ongoing to ensure that BPS and other schemes run as smoothly as possible at this challenging time. Find out more.

COVID-19: Within England and Wales a temporary amendment to the TB testing instructions has been put in place by the APHA retrospectively from 23 March 2020, until further notice.

Here you'll find information related to the day-to-day running of your business such as accessing labour, BPS and environmental schemes, driving and vehicle regulations, farm events, training and audits, farm inspections and much more.

The Environment Agency has released a statement on its regulatory approach to abstraction returns, irrigation inspections and abstraction charges resulting from the coronavirus outbreak. Get the details.

Updated 1 May: Get the latest information on how the coronavirus outbreak is impacting the poultry sector from the NFU's policy and commodity advisers. This page will be updated as and when information is available.

COVID-19: It's times like these that demonstrate how crucial it is to have a reliable domestic food chain, and Red Tractor needs to play its part on key issues like food safety and traceability.

NFU President Minette Batters has recorded a message for NFU members pledging support to members during these challenging times. Listen to the message here.

Updated 1 May: With much of the country working from home and most industry events cancelled, BASIS has taken the decision to relax its CPD requirements for Professional Register members.

Get key information on the government's testing programme, which now includes categories of workers whose jobs are essential to the UK's COVID-19 response, including those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery.

NFU lobbying calls for greater support for the sector and for government to prioritise the reopening of garden centres as part of the phased exit from lockdown.

Find out about shortages of personal protective equipment, requirements under health and safety legislation and what to do if stocks are running low in this briefing from NFU farm safety and transport adviser Tom Price.

NFU Deputy President Stuart Roberts, along with key NFU advisers, hosted the second NFU COVID-19 banking roundtable this week. With representatives from the major banks in attendance, hear from Stuart on what was discussed.

The NFU has produced an essential journey certificate for members and their employees to carry with them when travelling to / from work or between different sites - download it here.

The NFU's policy and commodity advisers are working to provide up to date advice on the issues impacting the livestock sector as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes reflects on the past two weeks and COVID-19's impact on the sector, from the NFU's lobbying work to winning the hearts and minds of the public.

Updated 24 April: The NFU continues to lobby for appropriate mitigations against the impacts on the horticulture and potatoes sector from COVID-19.

Updated 24 April: The ornamental sector is being significantly hit by the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. Find out how the NFU is working with industry to support the sector through this difficult period.

Updated 24 April: With global lockdowns and travel restrictions, accessing workers is extremely limited. This article looks at what the industry is doing to mitigate the issue, and what else needs to be done.

Updated 23 April: This article outlines guidance for farmers who find themselves in a situation where milk collections are disrupted and they need to store, dispose of, or spread waste milk to land as a result of outcomes caused by COVID-19.

The NFU, National Rural Crime Network, Countryside Alliance and CLA are asking the Justice Secretary to urgently review the interpretation of the coronavirus lockdown enforcement measures.

The NFU has reiterated that British farmers continue to work around the clock and has worked with Defra to establish a 'Pick for Britain' campaign, in order that businesses can continue to produce food for the nation during the coronavirus.

NFU Vice President Tom Bradshaw has written to farming minister Victoria Prentis MP to ask for immediate assistance to farmers in need of support with BPS, CS and ES payments during the coronavirus pandemic.

NFU BPS Adviser Richard Wordsworth outlines the top 10 things to be aware of if you are claiming BPS this year. This is the first in a series of BPS 2020 related blogs.

The NFU, UK farming unions, RABDF, Dairy UK and the Provision Trade Federation have written to Defra Secretary of State to reiterate support for the proposals put forward by the NFU to protect dairy farm businesses from the impact of COVID-19.

The NFU has called for much-needed support for ornamental businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak, including asking retailers to rebuild their stocks of British flowers and plants in stores.

COVID-19 is affecting the RPA's ordinary functioning and processing at a critical time for both current CS/ES agreement holders and those hoping to start a new CS agreement in 2021. Download our briefing on the key issues.

Updated 22 April. Practical advise for protecting yourself, your family and visitors to your farm.

Following a dairy crisis meeting held earlier today, the whole industry has united behind the need for meaningful action to avoid a national catastrophe in UK dairying.

The NFU has been working closely with the Horticultural Trades Association in calling for financial support for the sector and needs evidence from members on how their business has been affected by COVID-19. Find out how to take part in our survey.

NFU expert blog: What are the predictions for the global economic impact of coronavirus, how have other countries managed so far and what are the implications for oil prices and markets? Find out here.

Here you'll find key information on supply contracts, credit to buyers, conditions relating to food disruption, competition law and guidance on drivers' hours and welfare.

NFU and NFU Cymru are urging retailers and processors to support British beef and sheep farmers by promoting cuts of meat such as steaks and roasting joints in stores, which are now in high supply due to the complete loss of the food service market.

The NFU's livestock team have put together a briefing document for members analysing the effects of COVID-19 on the lamb market and the supply chain.

Updated 15 April: The RPA has launched an online area to update NFU members on how they are adapting to the COVID-19 challenges and critically, what they want you what to do.

The UK Farming Roundtable has written to Secretary of State George Eustice asking the government to take urgent and decisive action to address the significant disruption that COVID-19 has brought to farming industries across the UK.

The British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) has made temporary changes to the passport amendments process in light of the coronavirus outbreak. Find out what to do if you need to make passport amendments.

In this blog, Mr Wornham looks at the current issues facing the poultry sector.

The full impact of the coronavirus outbreak is starting to bite within the dairy sector. Hear from NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes in his latest blog.

The survival of many British dairy farming businesses hit by the coronavirus outbreak depends on urgent action from the government. See what the NFU is calling for.

The food supply chain is experiencing extreme and overwhelming demand from shoppers. NFU chief food chain adviser Christine McDowell explains why carcase balancing is key to unlocking fairer returns for beef and sheep farmers.

The NFU has challenged an apparent change in sourcing policy by some UK retailers in recent weeks, with the retailers involved insisting that they haven't moved away from their standard sourcing policies nor their commitment to British producers.

This article aims to highlight some of the key regulations that may need to be complied with, and to sign post members to where they may be able to find out further information.

The NFU is seeking clarity from government on grants and business rates holidays in relation to a range of members' diversifications. This article sets out ways you can provide us with evidence to assist us in this work.

Dairy farmers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have been granted a derogation to use non-organic feed for a set period of time. See details of the time limit on this derogation.

Updated 22 April: The NFU's animal health and welfare team has set out the key issues affecting animal health and welfare as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19. Get the details.

Now, more than ever, it is important to give thought to your contingency plans on farm. The NFU has produced a checklist to help farmers make a robust plan if they, their families or key members of staff become unwell during this pandemic.

The NFU's dairy team has produced a UK dairy market assessment, alongside another briefing to explain the variety of market support measures that are currently being assessed for suitability to support the dairy sector. Download the briefings.

Rishi Sunak's decision to overhaul the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme will come as a huge relief to many farmers who have struggled to access its much-needed financial support.

The NFU is leading a national response for government and has launched a new online service aimed at capturing farm business issues related to coronavirus. Find out about the business impact service from NFU President Minette Batters.

The impact of the coronavirus is causing uncertainty, stress and anxiety for many farmers, but help is at hand for those who need it. Hear how Britain's farming charities can help support you.

Due to the COVID 19 Situation, the RPA is now only accepting application and supporting information via email. This article updates you on this revised approach.

The RPA has changed the deadline for Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme Round 2 claims. Find out more here.

Updated 15 April. How should customers deal with their water retailer where the business needs to close, or remain open with reduced capacity, or is struggling to pay outstanding bills?

Industry organisations have come together to deliver a matchmaking service for UK shearers and contactors, as it is unlikely that overseas shearers will be able to travel to the UK due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The NFU is providing an information gathering service on behalf of the agricultural and horticultural industries across the UK to assist the government.

As UK shoppers comply with the government's social distancing measures to help tackle the COVID-19 outbreak, grocery sales in the past four weeks have hit a new record, accounting for £10.8 billion. Read more.

FAQs: Does my business need to close? Which businesses can stay open? Updated guidance in line with government legislation.

While some potato sectors have seen increased demand, others have been severely impacted by the closure of McDonalds, fish and chip shops, and the wider food service industry. Get the latest information.

Our Head of Food and Farming Philip Hambling writes how the NFU is responding to the coronavirus crisis, particularly the disruption it has caused in the food service market, and how we're ensuring farmers are continuing to keep the nation fed.

A briefing to cover a range of issues concerning the potential impacts for farmers and growers of COVID-19 on plant protection products (PPPs) and plant health.

With the COVID-19 situation changing rapidly, teams from across the NFU are feeding in regular updates to NFUonline. On this page, we set out some FAQs and direct you to where you can find the answers.

UPDATED: The NFU's legal affairs team has produced a briefing for members on the coronavirus and the potential implications for supply contracts. Log in to read.