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Farming Today: 02/03/2012

02/03/2012

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 02/03/2012

Grow our own - the need for more UK fruit and veg growers. Presented by Anna Hill.

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside. Anna Hill hears that there are not enough young farmers learning how to grow fruit and veg in the UK.

The UK needs more fruit and veg growers but there aren't enough green-fingered young farmers. No UK agricultural colleges offer a degree in commercial horticulture, and many farmers would prefer to grow arable crops. Professor David Pink from Harper Adams thinks part of the problem is that students don't find horticulture trendy enough. Sarah Falkingham visits a carrot grower who has managed to make money by extending his season to produce vegetables throughout the year.

Sheep near areas which have been affected by Schmallenberg are most at risk. Professor Peter Mertens thinks that the rate of farms who are reporting the new disease Schmallenberg is decreasing, but we need to be prepared for next year. Farmer Andrew Foulds discovered Schmallenberg on his farm in January. He thinks that other farmers aren't reporting the virus because they do not want to be stigmatized.

Presented by Anna Hill. Produced by Emma Weatherill.

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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02/03/2012

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