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Farming Today: Brexit phase one, Scottish forest school, Brassicas

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11/12/2017

Brexit phase one, Scottish forest school, Brassicas

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, Brexit phase one, Scottish forest school, Brassicas

What does the first phase of Brexit plans mean for British farmers?

The UK's agreed that in a 'no deal' scenario, there'd be full alignment between the EU and Northern Ireland on some elements of cross-border trade: where does that leave farmers?

It's dominated numerous conversations over the weekend: the UK's phase-one agreement announced on Friday, which has been given a cautious welcome by UK farming unions. Theresa May guaranteed the rights of EU workers already here and said in a 'no deal' Brexit scenario, there would continue to be "full alignment" between the EU and Northern Ireland on some elements of cross-border trade, as set out in the Good Friday Agreement: that would include agriculture. But given the DUP's insistence that Northern Ireland be treated the same as the rest of the UK, where would that leave farmers? Charlotte Smith put the question to Hugh Mercer QC, an agricultural law specialist from Essex Court Chambers.

An educational charity in Scotland has just become the first provider in the country to be recognised as a Forest School Provider by the Forest School Association. Earthtime in Moray is helping schools to make the most of green spaces - and building outdoor skills and confidence in their pupils. Moira Hickey joined children of Botriphnie Primary at work in the woods. 

Christmas isn't far off, so it's time to celebrate sprouts! And some other seasonal winter veg - brassicas, to be precise.
This term applies to plants in the mustard family - from the festive brussel sprout to vitamin-packed kale, as well as cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli and turnips.
Brassicas may not be to everyone's taste but they are big business for Britain: Defra puts their value at £200 million annually. Lucy Taylor spoke to Martin Tate, a director of the Brassica Growers Association.

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