13/05/22 Tree disease lab, New green tech hub for growers, The hungry gap

DEFRA has opened a tree health laboratory in Surrey. Plant diseases, pests and invasive species are thought to cost the UK £1.7 billion per year. Scientists at the Forest Research lab in Alice Holt near Farnham say the £5.8 million facility will enable them to study both known and emerging threats from tree pests and diseases.

An £11 million state-of-the-art research facility has opened in Kent. The Green Tech Hub for Advanced Horticulture has a giant glass house and 14 polytunnels. It aims to make food production more sustainable and resilient to climate change.

The hungry gap is that time of year when traditionally fresh food was scarce. The winter crops are over, the new spring veg isn't ready. However, imports and growing under cover have enabled producers to extend the season. Yet producing crops out of season can bring its own consequences.

Presenter: Caz Graham
Producer: Rebecca Rooney