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Farming Today: Africa's farming revolution, NFU plan for post-Brexit agriculture policy, Black Mountains grant

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19/10/2017

Africa's farming revolution, NFU plan for post-Brexit agriculture policy, Black Mountains grant

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Africa's farming revolution, NFU plan for post-Brexit agriculture policy, Black Mountains grant

In Africa, an agricultural revolution is placing new emphasis on domestic food production.

In Africa, an agricultural revolution is tapping into the power of 41 million smallholders, and looking to build domestic food production as an alternative to foreign imports.

Africa's population is set to double by 2050 - and that growing market has many international farmers rubbing their hands in glee, as it holds huge potential for exporters of meat, dairy and processed foods.
But in Africa, there is talk of revolution: a complete agricultural transformation, tapping into the production potential of 41 million smallholders, farming some of the most fertile soils in the world. Governments, NGOs and the private sector are committing millions of dollars to the home-grown food and farming revolution.
Anna Jones went to the African Green Revolution Forum in Ivory Coast, to find out where Africa's farmers are heading - and whether the continent will be a customer or a competitor to the UK in future.

The National Farmers Union has launched its vision for the UK's future domestic agriculture policy - and it says direct payments to farmers need to continue, albeit in a different format... It also suggests that the new policy should be integrated, providing farmers with "incentives and rewards" to become profitable and resilient 
Charlotte Smith finds out more from the NFU's Nick Von Westenholz.

A pioneering partnership in Wales' Black Mountains has secured a grant from by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, to restore and improve the iconic area. Made-up of graziers, private land owners and public land-owning bodies, the partnership has £1,004,155 (one million, four thousand, one hundred and fifty-five pounds) to spend on a range of projects, including tackling bracken, improving grazing land and developing rural skills. 
Toby Field visited the picturesque spot to chat to some of those involved in the project - including Phil Stocker, chair of the organisation that secured the funds and chief executive of the National Sheep Association.

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