29/09/2026: Precision breeding, Community farm, Mentoring on farm

UK scientists leading research on precision breeding - or genetic editing - say uncertainty around the law in England could put investors off and jeopardise our competitive edge. The technology has rapidly taken hold of plant breeding and development, and has been used to develop vitamin D-rich tomatoes, and bananas that don’t turn brown. But there are still many questions surrounding the technique, for farmers, for trade and consumers too. A judicial review this summer found flaws with the way the law was drawn up, but there's uncertainty around how it might be amended.

We visit what's widely thought to be the UK's first comunity owned farm, in Shropshire. Siblings Charlotte and Ben Hollins set up a crowd funding enterprise when their landlord told them they'd have to buy the farm or leave, after their tenant farmer father died. Twenty years on it's thriving.

And this week we're looking at the different ways that young people are accessing a career in agriciulture. The charity, Countryside Learning Scotland, has launched a two year programme to encourage new entrants into rural employment in the Perth and Kinross area. The Rural Employability Scheme will involve intensive mentoring and work placements for 16 to 25 year olds with little or no farming background.

Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Sally Challoner.