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Farming Today: 07/05/24 UK EU row over sandeels, farmers' collapse in confidence, Bordeaux wine growers in trouble

07/05/24 UK EU row over sandeels, farmers' collapse in confidence, Bordeaux wine growers in trouble

BBC Radio 4 - Farming Today, 07/05/24 UK EU row over sandeels, farmers' collapse in confidence, Bordeaux wine growers in trouble

The UK and EU row over sandeels, and the National Farmers' Union says farmer confidence has hit an all-time low.

The RSPB says it is "vital" that a UK ban on fishing for sandeels in the North Sea remains in place.  The ban, which stops sandeel trawlers fishing in English and Scottish sections of the North Sea, came into effect in April following a long campaign by conservationists concerned about declining seabird populations, particularly puffins and kittiwakes.  Fishermen in Denmark are supporting a challenge by the European Union to the UK ban, claiming they have lost half of their fishing grounds because of the new restrictions.

Farmer confidence is at an all time low; that's according to a new survey published by the National Farmers' Union. It says the wet weather has had an impact,  but farmers also point to worries about the future of their businesses. 65% of the 797 farmers surveyed at the end of last year say profits have fallen or that their businesses may not survive. 86% expect the phasing out of direct subsidy payments to have a negative impact on their farms, and 80% expect regulations and the price of inputs to hit their businesses.

We visit the heart of the global wine industry in France.  While in the UK wine production has become a thriving business, in Bordeaux things aren't looking so good.

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