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Farming Today: 08/06/23 Insect declines and food security, combine challenge, quick-cook gene edited potatoes

08/06/23 Insect declines and food security, combine challenge, quick-cook gene edited potatoes

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 08/06/23 Insect declines and food security, combine challenge, quick-cook gene edited potatoes

Why declining insect populations are a risk to UK food security.

A reduction in the number and variety of insects in the UK and around the world is a risk to food security, a committee of MPs heard yesterday from some of the leading scientists in the field. An EFRA committee inquiry is examining the latest evidence for insect decline in the UK, as well as the key drivers of insect loss, and the potential impacts on food security and the environment.

A group of farmers are driving from John O’ Groats to Land’s End in a large green combine harvester to raise awareness of suicide and mental health.  The National Farmers Union has this week published a survey showing that the soaring costs of energy, fuel and fertiliser along with increased market volatility over the last year have all had a negative impact on farmers’ mental health, so it’s a timely roadtrip.

All this week we're looking at gene editing and the implications of the UK Government's new Genetic Technology Act. A change in the law, which only applies in England, means the development and marketing of gene edited crops is now legal.  Earlier in the week we heard from GM Freeze who told us the safeguards surrounding gene edited crops aren’t strong enough, and unforeseen consequences could arise if they’re introduced.  In Scotland, the Holyrood Government has made it clear that its stance on genetic technology has not changed. So what does that mean for Scotland-based scientists who work on gene editing?

Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

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