Farmers across England are now able to benefit from the advice of Catchment Sensitive Farming advisers following the expansion of the programme.
Local Catchment Sensitive Farming advisers provide confidential on-farm support and advice across the farming community to encourage uptake of new and existing agricultural schemes and help farmers comply with regulation to deliver environmental gains.
Nearly 20,000 farms – equivalent to 34% of England’s total farmland – have received advice from Catchment Sensitive Farming officers since the partnership between Defra, the Environment Agency and Natural England began in 2006 in a drive to tackle water pollution from agriculture.
Reductions in agricultural pollutants include nitrogen levels, which are down 4%, phosphorus levels, which have decreased by 8%, and a 12% reduction in sediment.
Jen Almond the director of national operations at Natural England, said:
“We are rolling out Catchment Sensitive Farming advice to all farmers in England to help them produce food in a way that protects our water, air and soil whilst minimising losses and maximising efficiencies.
“Our advisers provide valuable advice on agricultural transition schemes and grants, natural flood management, and how sustainable farming practices can deliver the greatest environmental gains across the whole country.
Catchment Sensitive Farming is led by Natural England, in partnership with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Environment Agency.
Advisers offer a range of support including signposting to relevant sources of advice, offering one-to-one tailored advice, including a visit from an agricultural specialist, or running group training and on-farm events.
