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28/06/21 Water quality; Arable farming; Lorry driver shortage

Environment Agency boss says water quality is "flat lining" and farmers are one of the biggest polluters.
Issues affecting arable farmers.
National shortage of HGV drivers.

Water quality in England’s rivers is β€˜flat lining’ and farming is part of the problem That's according to the chief executive of the Environment Agency Sir James Bevan. He's been giving evidence to MPs on the Environmental Audit Committee. He also acknowledged that the Environment Agency hasn’t got the resources it needs.

How are crops growing this year? So far so good it seems, the weather and global prices are both much better than 12 months ago. We take a look at the issues facing arable farming.

The Road Haulage Association says there is a β€˜significant’ shortage of HGV drivers and has written to the Prime Minister asking for his personal intervention to help solve the problem. It reckons more than 60,000 additional drivers are needed urgently, and it says farmers and food producers are feeling the impact:

Presenter = Charlotte Smith
Producer = Rebecca Rooney

11 minutes

Broadcast

  • Mon 28 Jun 2021 05:45

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