Podcasts about rural affairs committee

Farmer protests over the Government's proposed changes to inheritance tax have continued this week, with rallies around the country and around 600 tractors making their way into central London on Wednesday. They arrived just as MPs were discussing the issues at the House of Commons' Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee, which was looking at inheritance tax as part of a wider inquiry into the future of farming. Fruit and veg importers say a shortage of government inspectors at ports is reducing the shelf life of products and the current system risks spreading plant disease. Nearly 6% of dairy producers across the UK left the industry in the last year, according to Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board figures. In Wales the figure is even higher at 17%, according to NFU Cymru. The amount of milk produced has stayed about the same, but the number of individual dairy farms has fallen.'Tis the season when Christmas turkey farmers are at full stretch across the country, as they get their birds ready for sale. Two years ago it was a very different picture: there were warnings that there could be a turkey shortage after millions of birds died or were destroyed because of avian flu. We visit a producer in Norfolk who lost thousands of birds to the disease. This year, he's back on his own farm, rearing thousands of free-range birds once more.Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

The chancellor has 'refused to engage' over concerns about the proposed change to inheritance tax on farms - so says the president of the National Farmers Union who was appearing before MPs, just as hundreds of farmers drove their tractors into London to protest about the tax. Farmers gathered in central London and in towns and cities across the country in another protest about changes announced in the autumn budget. The House of Commons Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee opened an inquiry to discuss inheritance tax as part of a wider look at the future of farming. Our topic this week is dairy farming and today we're looking at a disease which can decimate a dairy herd, TB. In almost 150 years of farming at Strickley, near Kendal, in Cumbria, the Robinson family's pedigree herd of organic dairy shorthorns has remained TB free. Until last October, that is, when a routine TB test returned the worst possible results. We hear how three generations of one farming family have dealt with their cattle's TB diagnosis and its aftermath.Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Waterlogged fields, wet crops, delays and lower yields - the reality of harvest 2024 for many UK farmers. It's been a really difficult year. This winter, rainfall was 60% above average in England, and that came after the wettest 18 months since records began in the 1830's. That hit the sowing of both winter and spring crops. The summer has been the coolest since 2015 - according to the Met Office - which has meant a delayed harvest and extra costs to dry the crop.We visit a new fish freezing centre that's been opened in Redruth by the company Falfish. It hopes the site will enable it to grow its business and support local sardine fishermen.And we hear from the new Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee - the group of MPs which scrutinises environment and agriculture policy. Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael, who has represented Orkney and Shetland for 23 years, says the committee's To Do list is "substantial".Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced by Heather Simons

As politicians look set to return to Stormont in Northern Ireland, we look at what that means for food and farming. For farmers a full-time working government could mean more clarity on the way forward for post-Brexit farm subsidies. Could it mean the end of customs checks on goods from Great Britain which remain in Northern Ireland and do not cross the border into the Republic and the EU's Single Market? We speak to BBC Northern Ireland's agriculture and environment correspondent to help unpick what impact this is likely to have on agriculture and trade.The new biosecurity regulations on imported goods from the EU have just come into force. More stringent checks are being carried out including on many food consignments. A report just published by the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee of MPs says it's concerned about cuts in funding for spot checks on animal products and the fact that the location for these is 22 miles away from the Port of Dover. All week we're looking at trade and how British importers and exporters are faring with post-Brexit changes. Coombe Castle in Wiltshire exports dairy products around the world. They say friction at the border with Europe and the ending of the trade deal with Canada last year, is going to hit them hard, because Canada accounted for a third of their cheese exports.Upland hill farmers have accused the government of failing to support them. Despite recent increases in subsidy payments, announced by DEFRA earlier this month, hill farmers say many of the new schemes still don't work for them. The payments are part of the post-Brexit Environmental Land Management Schemes brought in to replace payments under the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. Presenter = Anna Hill Producer = Rebecca Rooney

As communities across the UK recover after widespread flooding brought by Storm Babet, the National Farmers Union is calling on the government to set up a comprehensive water strategy for England to improve flood resilience. They want more investment to stop crops on fertile farmland being washed away. Wildlife and conservation groups say the English government's approach to re-introducing native species is 'astonishing' after remarks made by the Environment secretary Thérèse Coffey earlier this week. She told MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee that management plans for species like beavers and eagles, were not a priority for Defra. Farmers and food producers been showing off their produce at "Taste Wales", a big trade fair in Newport. We caught up with Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Rural Affairs. Farmers across the country say they're concerned by the withdrawal of a product used to control bracken. This year Asulox was not approved for use in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and allowed only under emergency authorisation in England. Government rules mean the herbicide would need additional health and safety testing work to be allowed for future use and the company that makes it has decided not to do that. We speak to an expert on bracken. We visit livestock marts - great and small. Hereford Market is the outskirts of the city and sales have quadrupled since the mart moved to a purpose-built facility 12 years ago. In the Western Isles of Scotland, we visit a livestock mart that only operates a few times a year, but it's a lifeline for crofters. The Green Farm Collective has been named winner of this year's BBC Food and Farming Awards Farming for the Future category. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

Some major new research into bird flu was published this week. The headlines are that this year has so far been better than last year, that the virus doesn't spread between poultry farms in the air and that spread from farm to farm has been very rare. We hear from the Animal and Plant Health Agency on the details. Farmers are warning that cuts to the rural affairs budget in Wales are a significant blow, which put environmental targets at risk. The Farmers Union of Wales and NFU Cymru have both criticised the Welsh Government, which in an emergency budget this week announced cuts across departments. A parliamentary committee is looking into land based education, so all week we've been doing the same. We asked the Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Sir Robert Goodwill, why they launched the inquiry now. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

Farming communities are struggling with their mental health and urgent action's needed to help them cope with the trauma of dealing with the aftermath of things like avian flu which has involved mass culls of birds. A report from the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee says farmers and vets are facing mental health trauma with little support. All week we're focusing on growing under glass. With sky-high energy costs, some salad growers have stopped planting crops. One farmer in Scotland is heating his glasshouse using renewable energy, harvesting methane from slurry. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust is marking its 50th birthday - we report from a special event in Penrith in Cumbria, where farmers, conservationists and chefs celebrate rare and native breed livestock. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney

How well are we doing in Ireland in regards to reducing the impact of pesticides on water quality? The grass and crop season is starting to ramp up now as the weather improves and with that comes the use of sprays to control weeds, fungi and pests in order to protect crops. Paul O'Brien, Chair of the IFA Environmental & Rural Affairs Committee joins us to discuss his role with the National Pesticide & Drinking Water Action Group (NPDWAG). For more episodes and information from the Environment Edge, visit the show page at:https://www.teagasc.ie/environmentedge/

Paul O' Brien, Chair of the IFA Environment & Rural Affairs Committee, discusses the concerns of farmers following the recommendations of the Citizens' Assembly on biodiversity.

The Welsh Government should add more clarity to the bill bringing in the ‘made for Wales' agriculture policy. That's according to the Senedd's Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee which has scrutinised the bill, making 50 recommendations. It paves the way for a new Sustainable Farming Scheme - SFS - which is expected to come in 2025. It will pay farmers for efforts to protect and enhance Wales' scenery, environment and wildlife as well as good farming practice. We speak to the committee chair MS Paul Davies who say's it's a vital piece of legislation. Wandering through the average rural village, poverty is probably not what you see, we're more likely to notice the picturesque pub or the well-appointed village green, but this week we're going to be looking at rural poverty, often a hidden aspect of life in the countryside. The Rural Services Network says : If England's rural communities were treated as a distinct region, their need for levelling up would be greater than any other." Janet Dwyer, Professor of Rural Policy at the University of Gloucestershire explains how the way we measure an areas affluence is part of the problem: An environmental group in Dorset is drawing up plans to plant a hedge that they say will cover nearly 100 miles. The volunteers behind the scheme hope the giant hedge will become a wildlife corridor and boost biodiversity. Presenter = Charlotte Smith Producer = Rebecca Rooney

For people coming out of prison, finding work can be a real struggle, but could the food industry hold the answer? There is a labour crisis in the industry at the moment, with a desperate need for a larger workforce. The Government's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee says chronic shortages could lead to further price rises and the UK becoming more dependent on food imports. In fact, it says if nothing is done to address the issue, labour shortages will shrink the sector permanently. The latest data suggests that as many as 80% of ex-prisoners are still unemployed a year after release.    So skilling up for this sector seems like a great idea. But with an industry which is increasingly hi-tech and forward thinking, is it possible to provide the right kind of up-to-date training and teach the right skills inside the prison walls? Listen to the full episode to find out more about two initiatives aimed at helping people into work after prison, how they are trying to overcome some of the unique challenges, and why there is a move towards training prisoners in the latest technological advances. Yvonne Thomas, Chief Executive, The Clink Charity Yvonne joined The Clink Charity in January 2022 having spent her career to date in public and private sector organisations including BT, The Ministry of Justice and Interserve.   Latterly, she has been advising organisations including charities and community interest companies, particularly those who help find people good jobs and decent accommodation.   Much of her career has been spent trying to find ways to support people in their rehabilitation journey.   She is also a trustee of the national charity, People, Potential, Possibilities (P3). Charlie Guy – co-founder and CEO of LettUs Grow Charlie is co-founder and CEO of LettUs Grow, an indoor farming technology company on a mission to reduce the waste and carbon footprint of fresh produce, whilst increasing the sustainability and resilience of our global food system for future generations. Charlie has led LettUs Grow's growth from three to over 30 staff members over the last five years, overseeing strategic direction and core business development activities. He was 2018 UK Tech Founder of the Year, Shell's Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 and a finalist in the 2018 global Green Challenge sustainability award.  Charlie is a founding member of the UK Urban Agritech Advisory Board and a judge for the internationally acclaimed Postcode Lotteries Green Challenge competition.

The Government should consider introducing a direct payment to small farms in England according to Conservative MP and chair of the EFRA (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) Committee, Sir Robert Goodwill. He tells us around £10,000 pounds a year could ensure their survival. Direct payments to farmers in England are currently being phased out, while a new policy to pay farmers public money only for providing public goods is brought in. And as we come to the end of our week looking at the potato industry, we catch up with those who grow seed potatoes here but still can't export them to the EU after Brexit. And we hear about a £2m project to reduce the potato's carbon footprint. Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced in Bristol by Natalie Donovan

This episode examines the impact EU membership has had on environmental protection and climate action. How has this affected agriculture and fisheries? And what does the future hold for Ireland in these areas over the next 50 years. Jerry speaks to Professor Owen McIntyre who is a director of UCC’s Centre for Law and the Environment, to Ireland South MEP Grace O’Sullivan of the Green Party, to Paul O’Brien who’s chair of the IFA Environmental and Rural Affairs Committee, and to Patrick Murphy, CEO of the Irish South and West Fish Producers’ Organisation. Treasa Murphy presents the main findings of a Radio Kerry survey into people’s attitudes towards the EU.

As production costs rise, a farmer tells us why he is taking half his land out of food production. Rutland farmer Andrew Brown says he can make more money from his land through a Government Countryside Stewardship Scheme, but says the current policy for paying farmers to stop growing food is misguided at a time when wheat stocks are so low. Meanwhile, MPs on the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee met yesterday for a progress update on the new system for paying farmers in England which is known as ELMs - the Environmental Land Management Scheme. We hear from George Dunn, the CEO of the Tenants Farmers Association about how well the transition is going for farmers. And our week on insects continues with a visit to one of the UK's first edible insect cafes in Pembrokeshire. Presented by Anna Hill Produced in Bristol by Natalie Donovan

Niall is speaking to Paul O'Brien Chair the Irish Farmers Association Environment & Rural Affairs committee about the emissions reduction range of between 22-30% being decided by cabinet next week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niall is speaking to Paul O'Brien Chair the Irish Farmers Association Environment & Rural Affairs committee about the emissions reduction range of between 22-30% being decided by cabinet next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What can be done to solve the growing problem of labour shortages in the UK food sector? The Government's Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee says chronic shortages could lead to further price rises and the UK becoming more dependent on food imports. In fact, it says if nothing is done to address the issue, labour shortages will shrink the sector permanently. It is a stark warning and we are already seeing the effects. In recent months we have seen crops left to rot in the fields, tens-of-thousands of pigs incinerated or rendered due to a lack of workers at meat processing plants, and disruption to the food supply chain. In this episode of the Food Matters Live podcast, we delve into the causes of the crisis, as well as looking at what some of the solutions may be. How big a role are Brexit and Covid playing? Will higher salaries help to alleviate the problems? Is the Government doing enough to help the industry? And what does the current situation mean for workers? There are more job opportunities available and more bargaining power when it comes to negotiating pay, but other questions remain. If more people within the industry are moving on to better-paid jobs, who is filling the roles they leave behind?  What is to be done about staff wellbeing as they work more hours to cover gaps in the rota? One trade body quoted is quoted in the committee's report as saying: "I have never known morale in the industry so low." Listen to the full episode for some views on what can be done to relieve some of the pressure in the short, medium, and long term. Meet the guests David Camp, Chief Executive, the Association of Labour Providers The Association of Labour Providers is a not-for-profit trade association promoting responsible recruitment and good practice for organisations that supply the workforce to the consumer goods supply chain across the food processing, horticultural and wider manufacturing, industrial, warehousing and distribution sectors.   The ALP's 375 labour provider members supply approximately 70% of the temporary contingent workforce into the food growing and manufacturing supply chain. Jonathan Kittow, Director, Simply Supply Chain Jonathan is a consumer-focused management consultant and collaborator with over 25 years' experience in Consumer Goods and Retail sectors – Director of Simply Supply Chain and Chairman of the FMCG focused supply chain networking groups: Customer Supply Group and Drop and Drive Supply Group. Jonathan's expertise lies in managing the relationships between sales, marketing and supply chain within blue chip manufacturing and retail clients to improve on-shelf availability and eliminate waste to reduce the end-to-end cost. 

The price farmers are being paid for milk is rising faster than ever before and is likely to hit rates never seen before over the next couple of months. But dairy farmers won't be rushing off to book their next holiday or buy a new tractor, in fact some of them will be barely breaking even in spite of these record high prices. We hear who MPs have elected as the new Chair of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee; and this week we're hearing all about growing flowers and in Scotland, a new group say there's a growing market for home-grown flowers. Presented by Caz Graham and produced for BBC Audio by Caitlin Hobbs

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's latest report came out earlier this week, focusing on the action that needs to be taken globally to mitigate the impact of a warming climate. It says agriculture, land-use and forestry can all help provide large-scale emissions reductions, but cannot completely compensate for any delayed action on reducing emissions in other sectors, such as industry and travel. The report also points out that global greenhouse gas emissions must peak in just three years' time, and then reduce by 43 percent by 2030. It highlights that methane - a major emission from livestock farming - would need to be reduced by a third during that same timeframe. Recently there has been a lot of talk about planting trees to offset carbon emissions - which this week, the Welsh Affairs Committee has warned will impact family farms in Wales. The committee says it ‘recognised the importance of woodland to tackle the climate emergency,' but ‘that companies could be attempting to “game the system” by investing in farming land to offset emissions which is then lost to Welsh agriculture'. The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee has been investigating the impact the lack of staff is having on farms, food processing and distribution, and is critical of what it says is the government's failure to engage in the labour shortage problem. MPs from the EFRA committee have warned that a failure to tackle labour shortages ‘will permanently shrink the food sector.‘ And all this week on Farming Today we've been talking about farmers leaving the industry. We hear from arable farmer Henry DuVal in Hampshire about how he passed the farm onto his son Ed by setting up a bio-gas plant, where instead of growing crops for food, all their fields are producing fuel for anaerobic digestion. Most of the methane they produce goes into the gas grid, some makes electricity. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced for BBC Audio by Caitlin Hobbs

A cross party committee of MPs has warned that failure to tackle labour shortages in agriculture, ‘will permanently shrink the food sector.' The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee took evidence over several sessions, to hear how lack of staff are affecting farms, food-processing, and distribution, and today it publishes its report. We hear from EFRA Committee Chairman Neil Parish about his concerns. This week we're talking about leaving farming, and another industry facing staff shortages is farm vets. A survey by the British Veterinary Association taken last autumn asked whether vets would choose to pursue a career in the veterinary profession again, ‘knowing what they know now' - 56% said that they would, but 19% said they wouldn't choose the same career. We hear the reasons behind why the industry is struggling to retain workers. And the Scottish Government Agency NatureScot has launched a four year plan to boost biodiversity and manage large scale landscapes for the environment. It aims to halt nature loss and protect 30 per cent of the country's land and sea habitats by 2030 by restoring a quarter of a million hectares of damaged peatland, reducing deer numbers, and extending its current Nature Restoration Fund to include bigger projects for landscape-scale recovery. Presented by Anna Hill and produced for BBC Audio by Caitlin Hobbs

On the day National Insurance contributions rise, Ian analyses the impact with Hannah Essex, Co-Director of the British Chambers of Commerce. He also looks into labour shortages in the farm and food industry with Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Neil Parish, and after the government ordered a review into the latest science on fracking, Ian talks to Stephen Bowler, chief executive of IGas Energy. Plus the latest on Ukraine's access to medicine and the cruise industry.

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121, Luzerne) has established himself as a passionate and consensus-building voice in the General Assembly, working for the things our neighbors need, like property tax relief, jobs that pay a living wage, appropriate funding for public education, reducing the cost of higher education, access to affordable quality healthcare and more.In 2006, he was first elected to represent the 121st Legislative District which consists of Wilkes-Barre City, Fairview Township, Wilkes-Barre Township, Ashley Borough, Hanover Township and Laurel Run Borough.Pashinski serves as the Democratic chairman of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, a position he has held since 2017. He also currently serves as board member of the Center for Rural PA and the PA Hardwoods Development Council, as well as Chair of both the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Legislative Sportsmen's caucuses. Pashinski also has previously served on the Insurance, State Government, Human Services, Aging, Gaming and Commerce committees.Pashinski is a graduate of Wilkes University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and has a master's equivalency. He uses his 38 years of experience as a former music teacher and choral director at the Greater Nanticoke Area School District to push back against irresponsible and drastic state education funding cuts that adversely affect local property taxpayers and threaten the quality of a public education.A tireless fighter for healthcare reform, Pashinski led a task force of regional experts that developed recommendations to improve the healthcare system. He has introduced numerous bills to increase access to medical care, reduce costs to consumers and improve outcomes.Pashinski has organized a package of legislation that has helped provide resources for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, as well as helped to pass the historic 2019 PA Farm Bill, which included his language supporting Pa Preferred's Homegrown by Heroes program, promoting Pennsylvania veterans who become farmers and producers.Following the devastating floods of 2011, Pashinski spearheaded a legislative package to help homeowners and small businesses recover and protect local jobs. He has been named "Legislator of the Year" by several organizations representing the best interests of Luzerne County residents and the people of Pennsylvania.Prior to joining the General Assembly, Pashinski held several union positions with the Greater Nanticoke Area Education Association, serving as chief spokesperson, vice president and eventually president. In addition to the local offices, he also served as PACE Director and Region Chairman for PSEA on the state level.A staunch supporter of community involvement, he has held leadership roles with the Luzerne County Coordinating Council, Luzerne County Legislative Committee, United Way of Wyoming Valley and serves as the executive director of the Advocacy Fund for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (AF4GRG).A popular local musician, entertainment manager and promoter, Pashinski is widowed and has four children and seven grandchildren.Support Groups for Grandparents: Wilkes Barre YMCA 40 West Northampton Street, Wilkes Barre PA Second Monday of Each MonthFor more info please visit www.af4grg.org For Help Navigating this process please call 1-866-KIN-2111or vist www.kinnconnector.org Support the show

An overabundance of fake news, paid political advertising and trolls gaslighting the facts have turned most social media sites into cesspools of misinformation and click bait to boost engagement and profits.There is little or no regulation to protect the privacy of the unassuming public or to ensure the accuracy of information disseminated through social media. Consumers are left to ferret out scams and misinformation on their own.   The highly unregulated landscape of Internet-based commerce and finance is the ideal breeding ground for risky, questionable get-rich-quick schemes. Enter cryptocurrency, nonfungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain.  Maybe you have heard these terms, but you don't know exactly what they mean or you're not sure why you should care. Today's podcast covers Internet privacy, cybersecurity and their relationship to cryptocurrency, NFTs and blockchain. My guests today are two of my colleagues in the Arizona House of Representatives. Serving LD10 in Tucson, Rep. Domingo Degrazia is a lawyer by profession, a Certified Information Privacy Professional, and drafter of the proposed Arizona Data Privacy bill. He is Whip for the House Democratic Caucus and serves on both the Judiciary and Rules Committees. Serving LD18 in Maricopa County, Rep. Mitzi Epstein is a computer systems analyst by profession. She worked for Olin Brass Manufacturing and in the Treasury Department at Citicorp Mortgage. She is Ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee and also serves on the Rules Committee and the Land, Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.Time StampPPH Commentary 00:42Interview with DeGrazia and Epstein 05:26Privacy and Security on the Internet 06:08Are People too Trusting? 08:36Are Devices Listening to Us? 09:52There Is Little Government Regulation. Tech Regulates Itself 10:11Personal Information Was Used Against People in WWI, WWII 11:03Radicalization and Misinformation Spreads through Social Media 12:52Outrage Algorithms Build Anger and Profits 13:58European Internet Regulations 14:34Regulation Is Patchy or Nonexistent in Most US States 15:40Is It a Good Thing that Some Apps Track Your Every Step? 16:53Some of Your Data Is Being Collected and Used by Other Countries, including China 17:23Deleting Apps that Track You 18:33What about Cryptocurrency, Nonfungible Tokens, and Blockchain? 19:23Blockchain Is Just One Tool 20:46Which AZLeg Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Committee Members Are Invested in Crypto? 22:42Cryptocurrency Is Built on Nothing 23:03Nonfungible Tokens (NFTs)

MPs launch an inquiry into how labour and trade issues are affecting the food supply chain. The Chair of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee says the Government risks "sleepwalking into a perfect storm if it fails to listen to the warning calls of supply chain professionals". But the Home Office wants to see employers "make long term investments in the UK domestic workforce instead of relying on labour from abroad". We hear how farmers in Wales want to integrate trees into farming, and join a potato harvesting team on the Yorkshire coast. Presented by Charlotte Smith and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

In the 6th programme in the Nore Vision radio series we visit the uplands of the River Nore, talk about the farm walks organised by Nore Vision, discuss farm ecology and explore the role of the farmer and farm policy in improving the water quality of the River Nore. It features Michael Costigan from Clonakenny, Bredan McSorley, Field Officer for the Farm Walks and Mags Morrissey Ecologist on the Farm Walks and Denis Drennan Chair of the Farm and Rural Affairs Committee of the ICMSA. Funded by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership CLG through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the EU

The Government has launched consultations on two more trade deals this week with Canada and Mexico - both countries in the world’s top 10 for agricultural exports. Meanwhile, the controversy over a deal with Australia rumbles on. It's reported the Government is offering a reduction in tariffs on food and farming goods over 15 years, ending up with tariff and quota free access to the UK market. Farmers here say their produce will be undercut by cheaper imports. We hear from Minister for International Trade, Ranil Jayawardena and Chair of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Neil Parish. Many of Scotland's crofts are being underused or neglected, while at the same time there's a lack of availability for new entrants - according to a survey by the Crofting Commission. There are just over 20 thousand crofts across the Scottish Highlands and and Islands, mostly tenanted. They're small parcels of land that come with special rights, but also a duty not to neglect the croft and to put it to good use. And we hear about new research that suggests the nectar from certain flowers can help bumblebees fight off disease. Sainfoin flowers have caffeine in their nectar, and that reduces the impact of a fungal bumblebee-disease. Presented by Sybil Ruscoe Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

The Government’s new immigration policy may lead to a threat to Britain’s food supply-chain because there won’t be enough workers to pick this summer’s crops. That’s according to the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee who’ve been commenting on the Government’s response to concerns they raised about this, in a report published back in December. The further easing of some lockdown restrictions will mean more of us can get away from home and enjoy a few days holiday, perhaps in the great outdoors. Visitor numbers are already increasing in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty so all this week we’re going to be talking about access to the countryside and some of the issues it raises. And we're counting fish. A multi-million pound project, Unlocking the Severn, is removing man made obstacles that get in the way of migrating fish on the River Severn. To see whether it’s making a difference an army of volunteers has been enlisted to count the fish as they swim upstream. Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.

The City's Planning Committee and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will meet jointly on Monday, January 25 to consider which lands should be brought inside Ottawa's urban boundary, in line with the growth management strategy that Council adopted in May 2020. Today, Scott discusses the urban boundary and current recommendations, which include adding 1000 hectares, creating a new community and further protection of agricultural lands. Using Council-approved evaluation criteria, City planning staff scored blocks of land to accommodate new neighbourhoods, prioritizing those next to existing communities. Selected lands were further validated to encourage growth near existing commercial areas and existing or planned transit hubs. The report recommends approving 1,011 hectares of category 1 lands – those deemed to best meet evaluation criteria. The report lays out several options to identify an additional 270 hectares from parcels initially rated category 2 or 3, although such lands would need to meet certain conditions before they could be brought within the urban boundary in the future. The report also recommends adding to Ottawa's supply of vacant lands to accommodate industrial-related jobs. Staff recommend adding 140 hectares near Highway 417 at Carp Road and near Highway 416 at Barnsdale Road. The amount of land being considered stems from the Provincial Policy Statement, which requires we maintain enough land to accommodate residential growth for at least 15 years. Staff review the City's land supply annually and would report back to Council no later than 2026 to ensure supply remains compliant. The Committees will discuss further protecting agricultural lands by establishing a Gold Belt outside the urban boundary – similar to Ottawa's cherished Greenbelt. Named to reflect harvest colours, the proposed Gold Belt includes agricultural resource lands, natural areas and mineral aggregate resource areas. Together, they create an additional boundary for communities like Barrhaven, Riverside South, Stittsville and Orléans. With more robust intensification goals and rules requiring minimum densities, this Gold Belt would be an additional policy tool to limit outward growth in Ottawa for the rest of the century. Leapfrogging over the Gold Belt would be prohibited. Existing lands between the Greenbelt and the Gold Belt meet Ottawa's immediate growth needs. If approved, the Gold Belt would be established in the new Official Plan to help contain future urban expansions until the end of the century. Members of the public can provide written submissions through the Committee coordinator(link sends e-mail) and can also speak for up to five minutes at the Monday, January 25 meeting. Those interested in speaking during the meeting should refer to the process outlined as Annex A of the agenda. Quotes “City Council approved a Growth Management strategy to deliver a measured expansion of our urban boundary and to enhance the formation of 15-minute neighbourhoods across our city. Later this year we hope to approve a New Official Plan for the City, which will position Ottawa for success over the next quarter century.” - Mayor Jim Watson #Manotick #Richmond #North Gower #Munster #Kars #Fallowfield #Ashton and #Burritts Rapids

Over 60% of the River Wye is in breach of new phosphate pollution standards according to a new report from Natural Resources Wales. It says any new development in the river’s catchment area will have to be either phosphate neutral or better. The report comes after algal blooms turned sections of the Wye green in the summer - campaigners blamed a proliferation of poultry farms in the area, but NRW tells us that's not the biggest problem. We meet one Essex arable farmer who's doing his bit to maintain the Christmas spirit in the face of COVID this weekend by welcoming 400 car loads of people onto the farm for a drive in carol service. And Red Tractor has a new driver! We speak to Christine Tacon, who will take over in January as Chair of the farm assurance scheme - which covers 46,000 British farmers. Christine Tacon is the former Groceries Code Adjudicator and before that ran the Co-Ops farms. She also chairs the BBC’s Rural Affairs Committee. Presented by Charlotte Smith Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons

Senator Elder Vogel joins us to discuss the Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program initiative. Senator Vogel represents Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties and is chairman of Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.

The City's Planning Committee and Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee has approved a growth management strategy that would add between 1,350 and 1,650 gross hectares of residential land and strategically located employment land to Ottawa's urban area. Councillor Moffatt discusses the meeting, the process, the decision and the reasoning.

The weekly Legislative Podcast with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron) is now available. Topics discussed in this week’s program include: Rep. Causer’s bill to create a PA Rapid Response Disaster Readiness Account now before full House along with a package of legislation to assist PA farmers; House Ag and Rural Affairs Committee approves two bills to help PA Dairy farmers and will hold an informational meeting with members of Congress in support of federal milk issues; Property Tax Rent Rebate program application deadline extended to end of the year; PA Hunting Licenses go on sale on Monday, June 17. RT 5:00

The weekly Legislative Podcast with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R- Lehigh & Berks) is now available. Topics discussed in this week’s podcast include: House approves bills aimed at assisting members of the National Guard and their families; House Ag and Rural Affairs Committee approves package of bills to help PA farmers; Measures to improve access to mental health care in PA approved by the House.

The weekly Legislative Podcast with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron) is now available. Topics discussed in this week’s podcast include: Rep. Causer participated in bridge dedication to memorialize a local WWII veteran, The PA House held a special ceremony this week memorializing the sacrifices of those who participated in the Normandy D-Day invasion 75 years ago; House approves bills aimed at assisting members of the National Guard and their families; House Ag and Rural Affairs Committee approves package of bills to help PA farmers; Coudersport Fire Company to hold town hall style meeting on emergency services issues.

The weekly Legislative Report Podcast with Rep. Martin Causer (R-McKean, Potter & Cameron) is now available. Topics discussed in this week’s program include: Causer bill to protect PA dairy farmers from milk transportation restrictions approved by the full House; Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee to meet in Elk County next week to discuss forest products issues; Lawmakers pass additional Government Done Right measures to repeal out of date laws and regulations. RT - 5:00

In this episode, the chairman of the newly formed Rural Affairs Committee, Dylan Roberts, calls in. Dylan Roberts represents the 26th District of Colorado, which is made up by Routt and Eagle County. He explains the purview of the new committee and the up coming legislation that is expected. This episode ran on December 22, 2018.

In this episode I'm speaking to Margaret Ritchie MP - Member of Parliament for South Down in Northern Ireland, and a member of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. In the previous episode I'd said I would be publishing a second SOS NI podcast, which shared the stories of the staff and volunteers, and the organisations they support, but it's taking me longer to piece together than I'd hoped, and because I've been recording other interviews at the same time I didn't want to delay getting them published any longer. So that’s why you'll be listening to an interview with Margaret Ritchie instead of the SOS NI crew, and there might be one or two more published ahead of that episode, but I will hopefully have it sorted in a few weeks time. So the background to this interview - I contacted Margaret after reading her conversation on Twitter with the organisation Feedback - telling about a grocer who had been told by a local official that he couldn't sell cosmetically imperfect produce. Margaret sits on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee which is currently investigating the issue of food waste, and will be reporting on it later in the year. I will put links in the show notes to the recordings of representatives of the supermarkets and others giving testimony to the committee. It's a brief interview, which took place in a busy café for MPs in the heart of the Houses of Parliament, and explores the work of the committee as well as what lies ahead, and the potential for new legislation. Read the show notes here - http://foodiswasted.com/?p=1537 Find out more about food waste on the Food Is Wasted website - http://foodiswasted.com

Ash dieback was discovered in the UK in late 2012 and since then has been killing many of the UK's ash trees. But it's not the only threat - many pests and diseases are attacking different species which make up our forests and ancient woodlands. Julian Rush asks if our trees are simply vulnerable victims, susceptible to diseases, or if they have the strength to fight back. He visits Wentwood in South Wales where phytophthora ramorum (PR) has infected larch trees causing the clear felling of over 70 acres, with more anticipated. He asks if this is the only solution and how the loss of the trees will also affect the animals and insects. As ash dieback also spreads across the UK, Julian visits the scientists working to trace a natural resistance in trees and breed a new stronger generation of trees. The urgency of the situation has forced them to share their findings sooner, open sourcing information and enlisting the help of the public which has already led to new findings and chance developments which might not otherwise have been discovered. Julian asks if enough is being done soon enough and if the scientists or the diseases are winning the race. With a swathe of other diseases also threatening he asks if we have to learn to live with disease and accept that change in our forests is inevitable. We are also talking to the chair of the committee of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee who published their new report on Tree Health and Plant Biosecurity this week. Produced in Bristol by Anne-Marie Bullock.