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: 06/03/2023: Dairy, rewilding and neonicitinoids.

06/03/2023: Dairy, rewilding and neonicitinoids.

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 06/03/2023: Dairy, rewilding and neonicitinoids.

Neonicotinoids are to be used in the UK despite having been banned several years ago.

Neonicotinoids will be used in the UK this year despite having been banned some years ago.

A pesticide will be used in the UK this year despite having been banned some years ago, neonicotinoids are pesticides used to coat seeds, as the plant grows it kills the pests which eat the crop. 

But it also impacts bees and as a result the EU banned their use and this ban was carried over into UK law after Brexit, however they can be used in certain special cases.

Matt Shardlow of the campaign group Buglife explains to Charlotte why he’s so opposed to the use of this pesticide under any circumstances.

A 1000 acre rewilding site in Norfolk has seen the number of plant species double in just three years. The estate puts the changes partly down to the introduction of free-roaming livestock including red poll cattle, Exmoor ponies and Tamworth pigs.

And Charlotte kicks off a week of Farming Today looking at the dairy industry, with an assessment of the current market situation.


Presenter: Charlotte Smith
Producer: Alun Beach
Editor: Dimitri Houtart

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

06/03/2023: Dairy, rewilding and neonicitinoids.

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4