Farming Today

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 FM

Farming Today: 30/05/22 Peat fires; Soil workshop; Farming and climate change.

30/05/22 Peat fires; Soil workshop; Farming and climate change.

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 30/05/22 Peat fires; Soil workshop; Farming and climate change.

Allegations of illegal peat burning. Soil workshops. Climate change and future farming.

Conservationists say peat is being burnt illegally on upland areas. Soil workshops and the Sustainable Farming Initiative. Changing climate and ifs affect on future farming.

The RSPB  and Greenpeace say they have evidence of illegal burning of peatlands. Burning peat was banned in protected areas and where the peat is deep last year, as part of government efforts to protect and restore peatlands which sequester carbon. Traditionally some have been routinely burnt to create the right habitat for grouse and also to prevent wildfires. But conservationists say they’ve reported 79 cases of possible illegal peat burning.

Applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive open later this week. It's the first phase of England’s replacement for the EU's Common Agricultural Policy: farmers will be paid for the public goods they provide. This is a massive change and there is help and advice for farmers as they make the transition. In Devon, a business advice service - the Business Information Point - has been running a series of free workshops to get farmers up to speed. One of them is about soil, and how to improve it. 

What impact will climate change have on farming in the future? Met Office scientists have been studying the impacts on everything from producing livestock, to growing crops, disease and drought.

Presenter = Charlotte Smith
Producer = Rebecca Rooney

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Farming Today

30/05/22 Peat fires; Soil workshop; Farming and climate change.

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4