Agriculture and pets - market insights April 2025

Sustainability and the natural environment  

Governments worldwide are implementing stricter measures to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, protect biodiversity, and enhance soil and water health. In the EU, the Farm to Fork Strategy aims to reduce pesticide use by 50% and fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030. While these targets are long-term, significant progress occurred in 2024 and will continue in 2025 through legislation and funding initiatives promoting sustainable practices.   

In the UK, the Environment Act 2021 sets out various goals to support nature recovery and reduce harmful air pollution. In January 2025, the government released its response to the Office for Environmental Protection’s report on progress in improving England’s natural environment. 

Supply chain fairness  

On 21 November 2024, Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, announced that the government will strengthen supply chain fairness by utilising the fair dealing powers outlined in the Agriculture Act 2020. This initiative aims to enhance long-term food security, safeguard producers from unfair trading practices, and promote innovation and advancements in technology. 

Bird flu on the rise  

With new cases of bird flu in England, Wales and Scotland, gatherings of poultry have been banned from 10 February 2025 with the aim to reduce the disease spreading further.  

The new rules apply to gatherings of chickens, ducks, geese, guinea fowl, partridge, swans, pheasants, quail and turkeys. 

Bird keepers have been advised to be vigilant for signs of infection of their birds.  

Government publishes its response to the Animal Sentience Committee 

On 12 February 2025 the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology published the Government response to the Animal Sentience Committee's Online Safety Act report. 

The Online Safety Act 2023 (the Act) lists animal cruelty as a priority offence, requiring platforms to prevent and remove such content, and the Government acknowledges the psychological harm caused by animal cruelty and commits to working with stakeholders to improve protections. 

In terms of next steps Ofcom’s codes of practice will be improved based on stakeholder feedback and further consultation. 

The Online Safety Act's full implementation, including illegal content and child safety duties, is expected by Spring-Summer 2025.