Farming Today This Week

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Farming Today

Magazines & Reviews

Factual: Science & Nature: Nature & Environment

The latest news about food, farming and the countryside

BBC Radio 4 FM

Farming Today: 10/06/23 Farming Today This Week; Ukraine dam breach; Combine harvester challenge; Gene editing; Insect decline.

10/06/23 Farming Today This Week; Ukraine dam breach; Combine harvester challenge; Gene editing; Insect decline.

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 10/06/23 Farming Today This Week; Ukraine dam breach; Combine harvester challenge; Gene editing; Insect decline.

Ukraine dam breach, combine challenge, rural action plan, gene editing, insect decline.

Ukrainian dam breach and impact on agriculture. Combine harvester challenge. Government rural action plan. Gene editing. Decline in insects and impact on food security.

The breaching of a major dam on the Dneipro river in southern Ukraine is unfolding as a human, environmental and economic tragedy for thousands of people who live downstream. But there are global implications too. Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest wheat producers.

A group of farmers have driven 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.

The government launched a rural action plan this week. The initiatives include: improving rural broadband; relaxing planning rules around developing farm buildings; new strategies for rural transport; a fund for smaller abattoirs; and higher penalties for fly tipping. Some campaigners say the plans need to be underpinned by fairer funding for rural areas. 

All week on Farming Today we looked at gene editing.  The government in England has changed the law to allow the development and marketing of gene edited crops. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland the law hasn't changed. Gene Editing is not the same as genetic modification - GE allows researchers to make a specific edit to a plant's DNA, no new genes are added as they would be in GM plants. 

An EFRA committe inquiry has been told the reduction in the number and variety of insects in the UK and around the world is a risk to food security. Scientists have given evidence to MPs are examining the reasons for the decline and the impact on food security and the environment. 

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

10/06/23 Farming Today This Week; Ukraine dam breach; Combine harvester challenge; Gene editing; Insect decline.

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4