Fuel duty on red diesel cut by a third

The rate of fuel duty on red diesel is to be cut by over a third, the UK government has announced.

From 15 June 2026 until the end of the year, fuel duty on red diesel will drop from 10.18p/litre to a new rate of 6.48p/litre.

The measure has been welcomed by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, with president John McLenaghan stating that farmers have faced “severe fuel and input cost pressures”.

“This measure is a welcome first step and recognises the immediate pressure that rising fuel costs are placing on agricultural businesses,” McLenaghan said.

The UK government also announced on Wednesday that the 5p/litre cut to fuel duty for petrol and diesel will be extended from September until the end of 2026.

Life Beyond to hold annual service

A service of thanksgiving and remembrance for those who have died within the NI farming community is to be held on Sunday 7 June at 2.30pm.

Taking place in St John’s Church of Ireland in Moneymore, the service is being organised by Rural Support and Embrace FARM as part of the Life Beyond project.

The ecumenical service will provide an opportunity to remember deceased members of the farming community, including those who died through farm accidents and suicide.

The service will include a roll call of names to honour those who have passed away. Anyone who wants to have a name included can contact Rural Support by emailing farmsupport@ruralsupport.org.uk.

DAERA relations have improved says UFU leader

Following on from a no confidence vote in DAERA last October, relationships with the department are now improved, UFU president John McLenaghan has said.

Taking part in the KPMG event at Balmoral Show, the UFU leader acknowledged Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has “a difficult portfolio”, given he is left to spin three plates of agriculture, environment and rural affairs.

“For a significant period of time, our view was that not enough effort was put into the agriculture plate and he was keeping the other plates spinning much better,” he said.

While he said that challenges remain, he suggested that the UFU “message got through and relations are much better now”.

Williams appointed AFBI chief executive

Dr Iain Williams has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Agri Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).

Williams has been director of strategic partnerships at the Swindon-based Natural Environment Research Council since 2020.

Before that, he held a range of scientific and policy roles within the UK government.

Williams is due to take over as AFBI chief executive in September 2026.

He replaces Dr Stanley McDowell, who is retiring after eight years in the role.