Rachel Martin

Rachel Martin Profile Picture

Rachel Martin specialises in writing about agri-business, food production and dairying. Previously she worked as a business reporter at one of Northern Ireland’s biggest daily newspapers. In 2017, she was named one of IFAJ's 10 Young Leaders in Agricultural Journalism. She is currently secretary of the Guild of Agricultural Journalists in Northern Ireland. When she’s not writing, Rachel can usually be found in the milking parlour at home in Co. Down with her family's 130 cows.

Benchmarking: Even ‘bad’ figures can back up the right investment
Benchmarking: Even ‘bad’ figures can back up the right investment

Farmers have little to fear from benchmarking as even 'bad' results could help support investment in the right areas, according...

DAERA’s draft Climate Change Bill moves to next stage
DAERA’s draft Climate Change Bill moves to next stage

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Climate Change Bill has passed through the Executive today. It's a...

DAERA sets out plans for £37 million 5-year soil health scheme
DAERA sets out plans for £37 million 5-year soil health scheme

Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture is working on plans to launch a £37 million five-year soil sampling scheme to improve...

Reformed Review of Decisions process to be in place by end of next year
Reformed Review of Decisions process to be in place by end of next year

Plans are in place for a new Review of Decisions process to be implemented in Northern Ireland next year, according...

Poots announces consultation on process for Review of Decisions Cases
Poots announces consultation on process for Review of Decisions Cases

Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has published a consultation on the role of the Independent Panel in Area-based Schemes Review of...

Growers urged to consider alternatives amid claims of propionic acid shortage
Growers urged to consider alternatives amid claims of propionic acid shortage

The Ulster Farmers Union has called on the Department of Agriculture to offer workshops advising on alternatives, amid claims of...

94% of farmers take up latest round of FBIS offers
94% of farmers take up latest round of FBIS offers

Farmers in Northern Ireland have accepted 94% of offers made by the department under the latest tranche of Tier 1...

Farmers invited to have say on ABCB Agriculture Strategy
Farmers invited to have say on ABCB Agriculture Strategy

Farmers have been invited to have their say on a Northern Ireland council's pioneering Agriculture Strategy. Armagh City, Banbridge and...

Cap on ticket sales expected for September Balmoral Show
Cap on ticket sales expected for September Balmoral Show

Balmoral Show organisers are expecting to cap ticket sales for the event to proceed in September. Responding to questions from...

Northern Ireland’s two woodland grant schemes reopen
Northern Ireland’s two woodland grant schemes reopen

Northern Ireland Environment Minister Edwin Poots has announced the next stage of the ‘Forests for Our Future’ programme by reopening...

McAleer ‘seriously concerned’ at UK-Australia trade deal
McAleer ‘seriously concerned’ at UK-Australia trade deal

Sinn Féin MLA Declan McAleer has expressed serious concern at the potential implications for local producers of the UK-Australia trade....

AFBI scientists warn Climate Change Bill will require livestock reduction
AFBI scientists warn Climate Change Bill will require livestock reduction

Scientists have warned it will be "extremely challenging" for Northern Ireland to reduce its methane emissions from agriculture in order...

Minister Poots launches 2021-22 DAERA Business Plan
Minister Poots launches 2021-22 DAERA Business Plan

Northern Ireland (NI) Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has launched his department’s business plan for the year ahead. The 2021-2022 DAERA...

Wool prices pick up as 2020 selling season comes to a close
Wool prices pick up as 2020 selling season comes to a close

Markets for 2020 wool have started to pick up, with prices up around 38% compared to the slump experienced over...

NI net-zero: NI falling short on tree planting targets by 90%
NI net-zero: NI falling short on tree planting targets by 90%

Northern Ireland is falling short on tree planting levels required to pave the way to net-zero ambitions by more than...

Dale Farm signs supply deal with Arla Foods
Dale Farm signs supply deal with Arla Foods

Two of the UK's largest dairy companies, Dale Farm and Arla Foods, have partnered for the first time as part...

‘Olympics of Butchery’ back on for 2022
‘Olympics of Butchery’ back on for 2022

Butchers across the UK and Ireland have plenty of time to sharpen their skills ahead of the industry’s answer to...

UK and New Zealand agree to ‘accelerate’ trade talks
UK and New Zealand agree to ‘accelerate’ trade talks

Trade talks between the UK and New Zealand have stepped up a gear, with reports "strong progress" has been made...