Farming Today

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 LW

Farming Today: 16/08/22 Seasonal workers, Sheep's milk cheese, Drought support

16/08/22 Seasonal workers, Sheep's milk cheese, Drought support

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 16/08/22 Seasonal workers, Sheep's milk cheese, Drought support

Investigation into claims migrant workers took on £5000 of debt to pick British fruit.

Investigation begins into claims migrant workers from Indonesia took on £5000 of debt to pick British fruit. Plus support for livestock farmers during drought.

Claims that seasonal workers from Indonesia have taken on debts of up to £5000 to pick British fruit are to be investigated by the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA). An investigation by The Guardian found some were charged by unlicensed recruitment brokers for unnecessary tests and training, and are now struggling to recoup the costs. 

Farmers are to be told this week if they will be allowed to cut and graze areas of land which have been protected under Countryside or Environmental Stewardship schemes. The Rural Payments Agency is planning to relax some of the rules farmers follow for payments since the dry weather has reduced the amount of feed available for livestock. 

Plus sheep milk cheese. It's still relatively rare to milk sheep in the UK. We visit one farm that's aiming to make its operation more sustainable. 

Presented by Caz Graham
Produced in Bristol for BBC Audio by Natalie Donovan

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

16/08/22 Seasonal workers, Sheep's milk cheese, Drought support

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4