Dredging, Direct selling, BBC Food and Farming Awards

Dredging is back in the spotlight again, after the recent floods. Last week the Environment Secretary, Liz Truss, announced that farmers will be allowed to clear stretches of ditches on their land, without permission. But some believe unregulated clearance of water courses would be counter-productive, and that dredging only makes flooding of towns and villages worse. Caz Graham hears why it's so controversial.

All this week Farming Today will be looking at direct selling: ways in which farmers can cut out the middle man and reach their customers, through everything from farm shops to websites.

And nominations are now open for this year's BBC Food and Farming Awards. We hear from one of the judges in a new category "Future Food", who explains what it's all about.

Presented by Caz Graham and produced by Emma Campbell.