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Farming Today: Elver poaching, Peat in compost, Yorkshire whisky, New Zealand farming

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18/04/2017

Elver poaching, Peat in compost, Yorkshire whisky, New Zealand farming

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Elver poaching, Peat in compost, Yorkshire whisky, New Zealand farming

The Environment Agency is cracking down on elver poaching on the River Severn.

The Environment Agency is cracking down on elver poaching on the River Severn. Could better labelling in garden centres help make more sustainable choices on peat compost?

Elvers in the River Severn are being caught illegally and being shipped to Asia where they're worth more than caviar. But the Environment Agency is cracking down on the poachers. 
Conservation charities are warning that products containing peat should be more clearly labelled to help consumers make more sustainable choices when buying garden compost. A new survey found more than half of bagged compost sold in the UK still contains peat, despite commitments to phase it out. Peat is environmentally valuable as it stores carbon, and filters and stores water in upland areas, helping to prevent flooding.
And we begin a week looking at agriculture in New Zealand.

Presented by Sybil Ruscoe and produced by Sally Challoner.

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