Peter David Hall v Secretary of State for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Facts

The Claimant, Mr Peter Hall, breeds what he calls purebred Hereford (Original Population) ("HOP") cattle in England and Australia. He contends that HOP is a breed genetically distinct from Hereford (North American Derived) ("NAD") cattle. The Hereford Cattle Society (HCS), an agricultural charity of which he is a member and the only breed society for Herefords recognised by Defra, does not accept that view. Under the former Native Breeds at Risk (NBAR) list, the Original Population sub-population was listed separately as at risk, which made its breeders eligible for agri-environment support payments. After a call for evidence, the Secretary of State published a new Native Breeds Support List on 2 June 2025. Following UNFAO guidance and advice from the UK Genetics for Livestock and Equines (UKGLE) Committee, the new list took a whole-breed approach and merged original populations with their main breed. Herefords were listed as 'not at risk', so HOP breeders lost eligibility once the change took effect in April 2026. The Claimant brought a claim for judicial review, issued on 13 October 2025, challenging two decisions: the 2 June 2025 decision (the First Decision), and the refusal of 26 September 2025 to exercise investigative or enforcement powers against HCS (the Second Decision). He asserted that the claim was an Aarhus Convention claim. Lang J listed permission, extension of time, standing and the Aarhus costs issues for a single oral hearing.