Farming Today - 16/09/2010

Farmers in England may be able to shoot badgers to help control TB in cattle. Charlotte Smith talks to farming minister Jim Paice, who believes new science shows that culling the animals is essential to halt the disease. Former Secretary of State for the Environment Hilary Benn tells the BBC the cull simply won't work. The RSPCA are campaigning against the cull, and disagree with the interpretation of the science. They tell Farming Today that allowing farmers to shoot the animals may result in crippled and injured badgers in the wild. The Wildlife Trusts use the badger as their symbol and are joining with the RSPCA and other wildlife groups to campaign against the government's proposals. Public opinion has historically been against a cull, and the National Farmers' Union warns that persuading the public that a cull is necessary will be a difficult task. Presenter: Charlotte Smith Producer: Melvin Rickarby.