The UK-EU dispute over sandeels
On 28 to 30 January 2025, the EU and the UK will take part in an arbitration hearing in The Hague in a dispute over the UK ban on sandeel fishing in its waters.

Organic farming. By Christopher Barclay. SN/SC/1203.
Organic farming (92 KB , PDF)
• This note covers some topics related to organic farming. However, the issue of whether organic food should be certified as such if imported by air freight is covered in the standard note on food miles. A related note is Food Miles (SN/SC/4985).
• Organic farming is supported under the Organic Entry Level Stewardship Scheme, which is part of the Common Agricultural Policy. All farmers are paid Single Farm Payment, based on the area of the farm. Increased payments are made to organic farmers.
• The Food Standards Agency has rejected claims that organic food is healthier than other food, but supporters of organic food remain unconvinced.
• Sales of organic food have declined during the recession.
• Research suggests that organic farming cannot match conventional yields, especially in cereals. However, it has advantages in biodiversity and soil conservation.
Organic farming (92 KB , PDF)
On 28 to 30 January 2025, the EU and the UK will take part in an arbitration hearing in The Hague in a dispute over the UK ban on sandeel fishing in its waters.
At the Autumn 2024 Budget, the government announced that, from April 2026, it would restrict the inheritance tax relief available for agricultural and business property. There has been significant debate over how many farms and other businesses this measure would affect.
A debate has been scheduled in Westminster Hall for 2.30pm on 3 December on family farming in Devon. The debate will be opened by Sir Geoffrey Cox MP.