07/12/2024 Farming Today This Week: Dairy emissions; solar farm; workers; Food and Farming Awards
Reducing greenhouse gases in cattle using a feed additive has sparked controversy following outrage on social media.
Agriculture accounts for around 12% of greenhouse gases in the UK, according to DEFRA and there is much work across the industry to cut that figure.
Arla, the farmer run dairy cooperative plans to reduce its emissions by 30% per kilo of milk by 2030.
The company has just started trials using a dietary supplement called Bovaer which is added to a cow’s feed to reduce methane emissions. The trial involves around 30 farmers and 3 supermarkets who buy their milk.
But despite the feed supplement getting the thumbs up from UK and European food safety bodies, there’s been a social media storm of protest, some people calling for the boycott of Arla products because they do not think it should be used, including posting videos of themselves on social media pouring milk away. A scientist and industry expert give their views.
A number of tenant farmers in East Yorkshire say they could be facing eviction to make way for a large solar farm.
Dairy farmers say it is hard to find workers and growers use seasonal migrant workers to pick fruit and veg. The lack of people joining the fishing industry means some older skippers are now giving up early as they can't find a crew, meanwhile one farming apprentice is realising his dream.
And Charlotte speaks to the winner of the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Food and Farming award in the "Farming for the Future" category.
Presented by Charlotte Smith
Produced by Alun Beach
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- Sat 7 Dec 2024 06:30Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
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Farming Today
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