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.
Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.
24/05/2024: Farmers on the election, Mushroom farming, Growing flowers
23/05/24 General election and rural vote; Daffodils; New planning rules and land values.
22/05/24 - Farm labour, flower growers and live export ban
21/05/24 - Planning rules change, growing roses and no Spring flush
20/05/24 Illegal waste; Environmental benchmarking; Flower industry
18/05/24 - Farming Today This Week: Farm to Form Summit and the Balmoral Show
17/05/24 The Balmoral Show
16/05/24 - Water company landscape plan, solar farm planning, horticulture strategy and rural tourism
15/05/24 - The Farm to Fork Summit at 10 Downing Street
14/05/24 - Farm to Fork Summit, Welsh holiday homes and a conservation dog
11/05/24 Farming Today This Week: Sandeels, funding for robotic pickers, crisis of confidence for farmers, European roadtrip.
13/05/2024 - Food exports, rural tourism and new Welsh creamery
10/05/2024 - Seasonal labour, Portuguese rice and growing wasabi
09/05/24 - Regen ag, Iberico pork, OEP water report and tractor factory strike
08/05/24 - Coast path, carbon sequestration and selling fruit direct
06/05/24 Behind the scenes on the Wildland Estate where Scotland's largest landowner is making big changes.
04/05/24 - Farming Today This Week: Border checks, cider orchards and illegal waste dumping
03/05/24 Latest badger cull figures, Jeremy Clarkson, sniffing onion disease
02/05/2024: Illegal waste dumping; NI veterinary medicines; Natural pesticides
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