Farming Today

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Farming Today: 14/12/2023 Dartmoor review; Winter veg; Small abattoir fund; Rare breeds farm

14/12/2023 Dartmoor review; Winter veg; Small abattoir fund; Rare breeds farm

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 14/12/2023 Dartmoor review; Winter veg; Small abattoir fund; Rare breeds farm

Independent review into farming and environmental management on Dartmoor.

The government has published an independent review into the management of protected sites on Dartmoor.

The government's published an independent review into the management of protected sites on Dartmoor.  Earlier this year, there was an almost complete breakdown in the relationship between farmers and commoners on Dartmoor and Natural England, the body that advises the government on the natural environment. Dartmoor National Park,  around two thirds the size of Greater London, is classified as a European Special Area of Conservation and 62 percent of the area falls within Sites of Special Scientific Interest, but much land on those sites is in poor condition. We speak to a Dartmoor farmer and the Natural England's director for the south west.

We're all starting to think about our Christmas dinner vegetables, but there are warnings that prices could be higher in the shops this year.  Storms and heavy rain have contributed to reported record low-yields of cauliflowers and broccolli in some areas. Meanwhile potatoes could be in shorter supply come the Spring. We report from a Cornish potato farm.

The government has announced applications are now open for a new£4 million pound Smaller Abattoir Fund. The fund is to enable abattoirs in England to improve productivity, enhance animal health and welfare, and will allow farmers to add value to their meat and encourage innovation. Abattoirs will be able to apply for funding of up to £60,000.

We’ve talking about rare native breeds all this week. Glyn Canol Old Farm near Welshpool in Powys is something of a rare farm because all its animals are rare breeds - from the goats and sheep to the chickens and cows. We find out why the farmers there have chosen rare breeds over commercial stock and whether rare breeds can be commercially viable.

Presenter = Caz Graham
Producer = Anna Hill

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14/12/2023 Dartmoor review; Winter veg; Small abattoir fund; Rare breeds farm

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