Neonics in Soil, Rural Payments Agency

We debate whether neonicotinoid pesticides can persist in the soil for years, as claimed by a leading biologist. Professor Dave Goulson of Sussex University describes his research into the half lives of pesticide residues being retained in the soil, sometimes years after usage ended. Nick von Westenholz of the
Crop Protection Association responds. He represents the agrichemical industry, manufacturers of pesticides.

Farmers are still reporting problems completing their on line forms for the new EU subsidy system, the Basic Payment Scheme. Richard Betton is a farmer and senior case worker at UTASS, the Upper Teesdale Agriculture Support Service. He tells us that his colleagues are rushed off their feet helping local farmers make their applications from the charity's computers. The Rural Payments Agency responds.

Presented by Anna Hill and produced by Mark Smalley.