20/04/26: Soybean ID, greenhouse gas emissions from farming, a moment to rethink fertiliser 'dependency'?

The Ulster Farmers Union is calling for government help for farmers, because of the impact of the war in Iran on fuel and fertiliser prices. Amongst other things it suggests a one-off fertiliser support scheme and transparency in pricing. But a group of global sustainability experts says this is the moment that food systems should end what they call a dependence on synthetic fertilisers. As we've been reporting, the spike in energy prices because of the conflict in the Middle East has meant a spike in fertiliser prices. On top of that, a significant proportion of the world's fertiliser supplies also travels (or not) through the Strait of Hormuz.

This week we're focussing on farmers' innovations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We begin with a look at the scale of the challenge.

Scientists at Kew are using techniques associated with archaeological digs to test where soybeans have been grown. They hope it could help cut tropical deforestation associated with soybean production.

Presenter: Charlotte Smith
Producer: Sarah Swadling