01/03/21 Gene editing, tree guards, food waste

Farming Today

• Episode: 01/03/21 Gene editing, tree guards, food waste
• Website: Farming Today
• Feed URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qj8q/episodes/downloads.rss
• Duration: 00:11:37
• Published: 2021-03-01 07:00

Genetically modified crops were introduced in the US in the 1990s. They're not grown commercially in the UK at the moment, but the government is currently holding a consultation on whether gene editing should be allowed. Professor Wendy Harwood leads the ‘Crop Transformation Group’ at the John Innes Centre and explains the difference between gene editing and genetic modification. Planting trees is a central part of our efforts to capture carbon and slow climate change. But millions of trees also means millions of plastic tree guards. Gary Hurlston, whose father invented one of the biggest selling plastic tree shelters, has created a bio-degradable version which uses wool. Farmers are teaming up with a supermarket and food charity to give surplus food to families who need it. Veg grower George Read from Lincolnshire is working with Waitrose and Fare Share to get sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage, that would have gone to waste, to vulnerable households. Presenter = Caz Graham Producer = Rebecca Rooney