Farming Today

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Farming Today: 23/05/22 - Ukrainian Farmers, Community Supported Agriculture, Hothouse flowers

23/05/22 - Ukrainian Farmers, Community Supported Agriculture, Hothouse flowers

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 23/05/22 - Ukrainian Farmers, Community Supported Agriculture, Hothouse flowers

Ukrainian farmers face huge problems because of the war.

The reality for Ukrainian farmers trying to export their grain, the growth of community supported agriculture, and growing flowers in a glass house.

Ukrainian farmers are demanding that borders re-open so they can get their crops out of the country. It’s estimated that 24 million tonnes of wheat and maize are stuck there as Russia continues to blockade Black Sea ports. Instead, farmers are heading to the land borders – and can face a week-long wait to get through. With harvest now looming they say this can’t go on. Last week the UN highlighted the impact the war is having on global food supplies, warning that some countries could face long-term famines if Ukraine's exports are not restored to pre-war levels. Charlotte Smith catches up with one farmer who says the situation can't go on.

As many people face a struggle to put food on their plates as the cost of living rises, community supported agriculture is being heralded as a way to bring farmers and consumers together, to share both the risks and the rewards of growing food. Although fairly well-established across Britain, the movement is in the early stages in Northern Ireland. We visit an open day designed encourage others to find out more about this model of farming.

The British horticulture market is worth £2.2 billion a year according to the Flowers and Plants Association, and UK grown flowers are growing in popularity. This week Farming Today will be hearing from the people who help make gardens beautiful. One of the big challenges is competing with Dutch growers, who have dominated this market for decades.

Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Sally Challoner.

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Farming Today

23/05/22 - Ukrainian Farmers, Community Supported Agriculture, Hothouse flowers

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