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17/07/20 Pickers say farm conditions left them vulnerable; Cancelled agricultural shows - filling the gap for children

Pickers who worked on farm at centre of coronavirus outbreak criticise lack of facilities. Children whose agricultural show's cancelled find other ways to learn about rural life.

The welfare of agriculture workers is under scrutiny after an outbreak of Covid 19 on a farm in Herefordshire. Some veg pickers who worked there say there weren't enough precautions and claim there was only one portable toilet for up to 60 people. The farm insists it's followed all the safety guidelines for seasonal workers.
We ask the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority what it can do to protect workers.

The cancellation of agricultural shows has left a big hole in the rural calendar. In West Sussex children usually have a dedicated educational show of their own - "Connect with the Countryside". Due to the pandemic, this has been cancelled too, but the South of England Agricultural Society is finding other ways to teach them about farming.

Presenter - Charlotte Smith
Producer - Rebecca Rooney

13 minutes

Broadcast

  • Fri 17 Jul 2020 05:45

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