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The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

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Farming Today: 23/05/2011

23/05/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 23/05/2011

The unseasonable weather poses problems for fruit farmers and confusion for wildlife.

Charlotte Smith hears that the unseasonably warm, dry weather in parts of the UK is causing confusion for wildlife and crops to appear early.

Charlotte Smith hears the unseasonably warm, dry weather in parts of the UK is causing crops to appear early. A visit to a Worcestershire plum orchard reveals that despite an incredible spring blossom, the fruit is now suffering from the weather. Wildlife too is confused and Matthew Oates from the National Trust says its going to be a memorable summer as the countryside copes with the out-of-kilter weather.

Farming Today hears the EU is considering allowing Governments to help set the price of milk, to take some power away from market forces. Last year 9 dairy farmers a week left the industry in the UK, many claiming they were being paid less for the milk than it cost to produce.

And farmers could be doing more to reduce waste, according to the government's Waste and Resources Action Programme. WRAP says over 8 million tonnes of food and drink is thrown away by UK households each year.

Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Ruth Sanderson.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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23/05/2011

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