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Generated Summary The UK wine industry is rapidly expanding, with over 1,100 vineyards and increasing consumer recognition, but WineGB chief Nicola Bates warns that targeted government support is needed for it to reach its full potential. Key challenges include workforce shortages, the need to boost domestic and export demand, and the dominance of small producers facing economic pressures. Bates calls for stricter labelling rules for British wine, expanded grant access, and a wine tourism duty relief scheme to support growth and investment. Sustainability and wine tourism are highlighted as

BASF’s Agricultural Solutions division reported solid volume growth and stable margins in the first half of 2026, despite ongoing pricing pressure from weak farm economics, generic competition, and geopolitical uncertainty. The company is progressing with plans to carve out Agricultural Solutions as a standalone business, targeting IPO readiness by mid-2027, and is implementing new infrastructure and corporate functions for the transition. Demand for crop protection products remains resilient, but management warned that market challenges persist due to adverse weather, subdued commodity prices, and ongoing global supply chain disruptions, particularly from Middle Eastern conflicts. BASF raised its full-year EBITDA guidance but maintained a wide forecast range, citing continued risks from inflation and volatile global markets.

Ag chemical company BASF is expanding its protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitor portfolio with Replexor Active, registering the active in Brazil and Australia before moving to the U.S. and Argentina next year.