Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Farming Today

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 FM

Farming Today: 29/04/2013

29/04/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 29/04/2013

A vote in Europe today could see a ban on some pesticides linked to bee decline.

EU members vote today on a possible ban on some pesticides which have been linked to declining bee populations. Charlotte Smith asks what it would mean for bees and for farmers.

A vote in Europe today could take the EU a step closer to banning some pesticides, in order to protect bees. Wildlife campaigners want three neonicotinoids banned for use on crops which are attractive to bees, but manufacturers claim that would cost UK agriculture 630 million pounds in lower yields.

Blossom has been very late on the trees this year, but this could just be a return to how things used to be thirty years ago. A plum grower in Norfolk compares her father's weather notes from the 1970s and 1980s with this year's situation in her orchards.

And what do you get if you set the Archers in Afghanistan? Charlotte Smith's been finding out.

Presented by Charlotte Smith. Produced by Emma Campbell.

BBC Radio 4

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Farming Today

29/04/2013

Genres

Formats

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4