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21/09/23 Lough Neagh pollution; Sustainable beef; Creating a vineyard.

Toxic algae killing wildlife and fish in Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland's biggest freshwater lake. How much is farming to blame?
Supermarket sustainable beef.
Creating a vineyard.

Campaigners say a toxic blue green algae which has covered Northern Ireland's biggest freshwater lake, Lough Neagh, is killing the wildlife and fish, and could be harmful to people. The algae's rapid growth this summer has been blamed on pollution from farms, as well as the weather, sewage and the impact of invasive species. So, to what extent are farmers the problem and what should be done?

Sainsbury's launches a premium range of beef which promises a carbon footprint 25% lower than the industry standard. The supermarket says it's taken a decade to develop. We speak to their director of agriculture to find out what that means for consumers and farmers.

The UK wine business has grown a lot in the past few years; all week we've been talking about growing booze. What's involved in creating a new vineyard from scratch? We visit a farmer in Hertfordshire who's diversified into viticulture.

Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced by Beatrice Fenton & Rebecca Rooney

13 minutes

Broadcast

  • Thu 21 Sep 2023 05:45

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