Many farmers have been worried about their Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements, which expire, or partly expire, this year. These cover larger scale agri-environment schemes and capital grants for "the most environmentally important sites", according to DEFRA.

As part of our focus on winter veg, we visit a farm in Worcestershire which grows Tenderstem broccoli. The crop's a registered trade mark, high in value but costly to grow, the seeds are closely controlled and it's labour intensive to pick. We also speak to a big commercial seed company about what's involved in creating new varieties of veg and what qualities plant breeders are looking for when they develop them.

Presenter = Anna Hill