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Farming Today: 28/07/2011

28/07/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 28/07/2011

Four of the 14 UK cheeses awarded EU protected food status have disappeared from sale.

With Sarah Swadling. Four of the 14 UK cheeses awarded EU protected food status have disappeared from sale.

EU protected food status could not save four UK cheeses from disappearing from sale. Currently no one is producing 30% of the recognised UK cheese brands, which include Bonchester and Teviotdale from Scotland; and Buxton Blue which has to be made in the Peak District. As the European status lasts forever, one expert says taking over the brand could be a great business opportunity for an aspiring cheese maker.

Green topped milk bottles of raw or unpasteurised milk used to be a common sight on doorsteps. Now, the majority of milk sold in England is pasteurised to remove bacteria like E.coli, TB and MRSA. Farming Today visits one Berkshire dairy farmer who is meeting the demand for the raw white stuff by selling direct from his farm. 

Also in the programme, a vision of the dairy industry in 2020 predicts fewer farmers, larger farms and cows producing thirteen per cent more milk. John Allen, the author of a new report explains his thoughts on how the industry could change. 

Finally, farmers groups welcome the findings by a party of MPs who are calling for changes to the role of the new supermarket watchdog. The National Farmers' Union says it will give its members a voice but the British Retail Consortium says it could mean unnecessary bureaucracy and costs. 

Presenter: Sarah Swadling; Producer: Angela Frain.

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