Defra has approved field trials of genetically modified barley that scientists say could reduce the need for synthetic fertilisers. The trial, run by researchers at the Crop Science Centre in Cambridge, will evaluate whether improved crop interaction with naturally occurring soil fungi can result in more sustainable food production. See also: Debate: Gene editing the pros and cons for farming The

USDA estimates show that Ukraine punches above its weight when it comes to barley exports on to the world market. In 2020, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) data shows Ukraine producing 9.9 million metric tons (mmt), the largest volume in 12 years, which accounts for 6.8% of global production, estimated at 145.1 mmt. To compare, Canada is estimated to have