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24/01/25 - Inheritance tax, sheep scanning, neonics and stolen Ukrainian grain

Why are the supermarkets weighing into the argument over inheritance tax on farms?

The dispute over the proposed inheritance tax on farms continues, with the UK's farming unions planning what they call a "Day of Unity" to demonstrate their opposition to the plans. Meanwhile, the supermarkets have added their voice to the argument, with many big players asking the Government to reconsider the tax. DEFRA Secretary, Steve Reed, argues "stable finances are the foundation of the economic growth needed" and has outlined a "new deal for farmers" that would help them become more profitable.

Farmers will not be allowed to use neonicotinoid pesticides on sugar beet crops this year, after an application for emergency use was turned down by the Government for the first time. Environmental groups have welcomed the decision, but the NFU says it could leave farmers unable to protect their sugar beet crops from virus yellows - a disease spread by aphids.

The UK is launching a Grain Verification Scheme to help identify grain that's been stolen from occupied areas of Ukraine. It uses chemical analysis to determine where grain was grown and a specialist database.

And we go out with a second generation sheep scanner, and discover the key to successful scanning isn鈥檛 just sophisticated equipment - you also need spray paint, a sturdy notepad and a lot of teamwork!

Presented by Caz Graham
Produce by Heather Simons

27 days left to listen

14 minutes

Broadcast

  • Friday 05:45

Podcast