Farming Connect campaign to reduce agricultural pollution

6 August 2019

Farming Connect are co-ordinating a ‘Reducing Agricultural Pollution’ campaign on behalf of the Wales Land Management Forum’s sub-group on agricultural pollution.

The Wales Land Management Forum’s sub-group on agricultural pollution – a body incorporating Natural Resources Wales, Welsh Government, Farming Unions and others want an industry commitment to eliminate pollution to reflect high standards in Welsh farming.

Sara Jenkins, Menter a Busnes’ Development Manager, explained that Farming Connect will be holding events at 33 priority watercourses identified by NRW over the coming months.

Farmers in these specific waterbodies will be encouraged to attend events to learn more about the specific issues in their areas, and practical information will be provided on how to reduce and eliminate agricultural pollution and improve water quality.

Information on Farming Connect services will also be provided to those who attend the events.

Farming Connect provide support, advice and guidance to farmers, in order to reduce the number of pollution incidents in Wales.

“The campaign will focus on supporting farmers to take action to prevent pollution through the improved management of manures, slurries and soils and a reduction in the use of chemicals such as pesticides” she explained.

Farming Connect funded through the Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government has a suite of services available to assist farmers, these services include the advisory service which provides farmers registered with Farming Connect up to 80% funding for Nutrient Management Plans or fully-funded NMP’s as group advice.

Advice is also available on an individual or group basis for slurry and farmyard manure management and storage plans, farm infrastructure including clean-dirty water separation, slurry, manure and silage storage and many more technical aspects.

Other support mechanisms include; a one-to-one mentoring service, where farmers can receive mentoring from another experienced farmer who has addressed issues and introduced novel solutions on their farm, and planning surgeries, where farmers can access an hours’ worth of advice free of charge from a planning expert.

“I would urge all farmers in Wales to consider their potential impact on the environment and discuss their individual requirements with their local Farming Connect Development Officer, who will be able to guide them to the most appropriate support.”

“Engaging with these services will have significant benefits for farm businesses and the wider community and economy who are reliant on a healthy water environment” said Sara Jenkins.

If you require further information about how to improve water quality or if you would like to attend one of the events you are encouraged to contact the Farming Connect Service Centre or click here to find contact details for your local Development Officer, who will be able to guide you through the services.

The details regarding these events are as follows:

Farming Connect, which is delivered by Menter a Busnes and Lantra, is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Welsh Government.