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Farming Today: 01/05/2013

01/05/2013

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 01/05/2013

Concern that rare crop varieties could be lost under EU plans to register all seeds.

Farming and countryside news with Anna Hill. Rare crops could be lost under EU plans, and 75 percent of UK native livestock breeds are under threat according to a DEFRA report.

Anna Hill hears warnings that EU proposals to make seed registration compulsory could lead to the loss of old and rare crop varieties, and stop people sharing seeds. The European Commission argues that updating the legislation will protect buyers and that there will be a 'light touch' when dealing with heritage varieties.

The genetic diversity of our livestock is also under the spotlight, after a Government report finds that 75% of native breeds are under threat.

Anna visits an oil seed rape grower pondering how to protect future crops from aphids, following the European ban on neonicotinoids in order to protect bees.

Presented by Anna Hill. Produced by Sarah Swadling.

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