29/02/2012
Anna Hill hears concerns over animals being transported across the UK, in case they spread Schmallenberg disease.
Anna Hill hears warnings not to transport animals around the UK in case they spread the new disease Schmallenberg. There is no evidence that the virus can be transferred between livestock, and there are no movement restrictions on livestock. But Nigel Miller, the President of the National Farmers Union Scotland, is urging Scottish farmers not to bring in sheep from affected areas.
Cheddar cheese in China and Devon yoghurts in Dubai. The UK dairy industry is being encouraged to think globally by the Farming Minister, Jim Paice MP. Currently around 25% of milk products consumed in the UK are imported and Mr Paice tells Anna that this needs to change. Caz Graham visits one company that has already achieved this: a company in the Lake District which exports its cheese to South Africa.
And farmers in drought-struck areas want to be able to extract more water from rivers and aquifers so that they can feed their crops. But, as Anna hears when she visits the River Glaven, there also needs to be enough water for the wildlife.
Presented by Anna Hill. Produced by Emma Weatherill.
Last on
Broadcast
- Wed 29 Feb 2012 05:45Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
Podcast
-
Farming Today
The latest news about food, farming and the countryside