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05/03/03: Slurry ban; Bioethanol in petrol; Gene-edited tomatoes; Councils rewilding

The Senedd has voted to uphold new rules on spreading slurry in Wales, after a challenge by farmers, and US scientists discuss how gene editing can speed up growing tomatoes.

Farming unions in Wales have lost their fight to scrap strict new limits on spreading slurry and fertiliser. The Welsh Parliament has narrowly voted to uphold restrictions designed to clean up Welsh rivers. Farmers however, say they're excessive and could push some smaller farms out of business.

As the government consultation into gene edited crops continues, we hear from American scientists using the technology to speed up the growth of tomatoes and change the shape of their vines.

The government's doubled the limit of bioethanol allowed in fuel. From September, E10 petrol will be introduced: that's a blend of petrol with up to 10% crop-based biofuel. The Department for Transport says it will reduce carbon dioxide emissions equivalent to taking 350,000 cars off the road - but there are concerns...

And councils in Sussex are buying back farmland for rewilding; Adur and Worthing Councils hope it will help them reduce carbon emissions and meet their net zero targets.

Presenter = Charlotte Smith
Producer = Rebecca Rooney

13 minutes

Broadcast

  • Fri 5 Mar 2021 05:45

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