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Farming Today: 13/08/20 - Neonicotinoids, Socially distanced Lairg livestock sale, Supporting rural tourism

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13/08/20 - Neonicotinoids, Socially distanced Lairg livestock sale, Supporting rural tourism

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 13/08/20 - Neonicotinoids, Socially distanced Lairg livestock sale, Supporting rural tourism

Caz Graham hears from those for and against lifting the ban on neonicotinoids.

France is relaxing a ban on the neonicotinoid insecticide for three years to help sugar beet producers. Caz Graham hears from those for and against lifting the ban in the UK.

Neonicotinoids are pesticides used to protect crops which are banned in the EU because of evidence they harm pollinators.  France has announced it is relaxing this ban for three-years to help sugar beet production which has seen severe crop failure due to aphids and a disease they spread.  With sugar beet producers in the UK reporting similar problems Caz Graham hears from those both for and against lifting the ban in the UK.  The big annual sales of store lambs are under way this month and Nancy Nicolson has been to the landmark sale at Lairg in Sutherland to see how they've introduced social distancing to ensure sales can go ahead.  For rural tourism week some businesses have sought professional advice to ensure their season can go-ahead as planned.

Producer: Toby Field

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13/08/20 - Neonicotinoids, Socially distanced Lairg livestock sale, Supporting rural tourism

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