Briefings

John Swinney delivered his third Programme for Government as First Minister, and his first since the 2026 Holyrood election, on Tuesday 1 September. Public sector reform featured heavily in the statement.

Ed Barker, AIC Head of Policy, gave evidence to Holyrood's Rural Affairs Committee on the Rural Support Plan, alongside other rural and environmental organisations, as part of the Committee's inquiry that will conclude with a report expected in October.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published an interim response following its consultation and call for evidence on the proposed UK Fertilising Products Regulation (UK FPR), which closed on 10 June 2026.

The Agricultural Industries Confederation (AIC) has published its Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2025-26.

Members can book tickets and tables for the annual AIC Fertiliser Dinner, taking place on Thursday, 5 November 2026 in Manchester.

Part 2 of the FAR CPD considering farm nutrient balance for poultry production systems is now live on the Feed Adviser Register (FAR) training portal

QMS is recruiting four new Board members, including individuals with experience of pig production.

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast (QUB) and the Co-Centre for Sustainable Food Systems are seeking insights from professionals in the UK and Irish animal feed sector on contamination risks, emerging contaminants, organisational preparedness and regulatory confidence.

In this episode of The AIC Podcast, Sarah-Jane Godfrey, AIC Technical Manager, talks all things ⁠Forage Analysis Assurance (FAA) Group ⁠as she tells us about the importance of accurate, consistent and reliable forage analysis, and the role the Group plays in supporting livestock nutrition across the UK and Ireland.

The updated Fertiliser Industry Assurance Scheme (FIAS) 2026 Standards will come into effect on 1 October 2026.

Attached are PPP expiry dates from CRD as of 1 September 2026

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has opened recruitment for a range of appointments across its Science Council and six Scientific Advisory Committees.