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Farming Today: 15/08/2011

15/08/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 15/08/2011

Two thirds of people support farmers receiving European subsidies, according to research.

Two thirds of people support farmers receiving European subsidies for food production and supporting wildlife according to a new survey. Charlotte Smith asks why they are needed.

Farmers and landowners in the UK receive around £3.5billion in subsidies from Europe each year. That's approximately £110 for every taxpayer. When asked whether they should continue to receive them in a Farming Today/Countryfile Comres poll 63% of people thought they should continue to receive them for food production and supporting wildlife but 9% felt they shouldn't receive subsidies at all. Charlotte Smith hears from a farmer about why he feels his income is justified. Jack Thurston from Farmsubsidy.org argues the well-off shouldn't receive them at all.

People making mobile phone calls in rural areas may be better off with an old-style phone than a snazzy smart-phone. Charlotte Smith asks our technology reporter why that's the case. 

And organic farmers say the future is bright for their industry despite the amount of land gong into conversion dropping to around a third the amount seen in 2007. 

Presented by Charlotte Smith. Produced by Anne Marie Bullock.

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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15/08/2011

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