17/11/2020 - Dairy in a No Deal, sheep farmers "diversifying to beef", live exports and new money for nature

The DEFRA Secretary has told the BBC that 35% export tarrifs on dairy products in the case of a No Deal Brexit would NOT impact dairy farmers. He said products like Lurpack butter, which are currently imported, could be made in the UK instead. Anna Hill asks Arla if that would be possible. Meanwhile, George Eustice said beef and sheep farmers should concentrate their efforts on beef - but how practical is that? We hear from a farm in North Wales.

We hear more in our detailed look at live animal exports. From 2014 to 2018, the UK exported £2.4bn worth of live animals, but the Government is considering a ban on live exports for slaughter. The National Farmers Union wants to introduce a new Assurance Scheme for live exports to set higher standards.

An extra 40 million pounds will be given to restore threatened species and enhance wildlife habitats. It’s part of Boris Johnson’s plan to invest in new jobs - following the impact on employment by the pandemic - while delivering a commitment to leave the countryside in better shape for future generations. Anna Hill hears from the Wildlife Trusts.

Presented by Anna Hill
Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Heather Simons