Episode details

Radio 4,03 Oct 2025,14 mins
03/10/25 Rural poverty, Green Party conference, orange markets
Farming TodayAvailable for 6 days
The way deprivation is measured in the UK means that the challenges facing rural areas aren't taken into account. That’s the conclusion of Pretty Poverty, a new report from Plymouth Marjon University. It argues that rural hardship could be "hidden behind scenic views" and that factors like needing to own a car in remote areas with poor public transport aren’t taken into consideration. It’s party conference season, so we're hearing from the main parties during their conferences to hear about their policies on farming, food and the environment. Today the Green Party is gathering for its annual conference in Bournemouth. All this week we’re looking at livestock markets. Farmers with herds of cattle that have tested positive for bovine TB have to adhere to stringent restrictions on the movement of livestock to try and stop the spread of this contagious disease. It can make buying and selling stock very difficult, but there are some livestock sales where cattle from TB restricted farms that have been tested as ‘clear’ or disease free, can be sold. They’re what’s called orange markets, and our reporter visits one in Cirencester. Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Beatrice Fenton.
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