Questionnaire Response Analysis David Cliffe FWAG National Resource Protection Specialist

Content Primary farming activities Involvement in existing schemes Uptake of Land Management Options SFP – Cross Compliance Issues Catchment Sensitive Farming Slurry and manure management Fertiliser usage and Nutrient budgetting Other measures Requirements for additional advice Comments/Suggestions

Scope 62 out of 260 Respondees 15,444 Ha Average 242 Ha (616 acres) 70% Livestock; (26% Dairy) 37% Arable 10% Mixed units 11% Organic

Schemes 84% Respondees in a scheme 11% of 16% would consider joining. ESS: 74% (ELS 58%; OELS 16%) CSS: 34% HLS: 6% ESA: 29%

Options Arable reversion to permanent grassland Over winter stubble followed by spring/summer fallow Undersown spring cereals Conservation headlands in arable fields Buffer strips in arable or intensive grassland Low inputs in permanent grassland Very low inputs in permanent grassland Livestock removal Extensification of grazing to reduce compaction Use of FYM instead of slurry Routine sub soiling of arable land Reduction in high protein feed intakes

Conclusions The majority of suggested options were largely opposed (with the exception of LIG & VLIG - easy scoring options under ELS!) Unincentivised options not very popular ! Classic ES scheme options (buffer strips, seasonal livestock removal) continue to be well supported. Conservation headlands, could play a useful role in replacing long term set aside.

Engagement Catchment Sensitive Farming - Approximately 50% have engaged with CSF - Mainly through attendance at training workshops on Soil,Nutrient & Manure planning. - A number in receipt of more detailed 1:1 visits on resource protection management planning - Some had taken advantage of available Capital Grants, for others funded options were not relevant - Confusion over objectives and future of CSF. - Lack of continuity of advice delivery

Advice delivery and guidance Need for additional training on Resource Protection planning. Use local training centres (Agric Colleges) during quieter periods in the farming calendar One to one visits from a “suitably qualified advisor who understands local issues” would be preferred.

Questions Do you accept that farming has an important part to play in managing inputs and operations in order to reduce the impact on water quality from diffuse pollutants (Nitrates, Phosphates, Soil particles & Pesticides) ?

Would you agree that: The problem with the existing regulatory framework is that it encourages compliance but does not offer incentives to adopt voluntary measures that will provide improved environmental outcomes

Questions Would you consider the adoption of a voluntary approach to addressing water quality issues on a local scale in preference to increased regulation ?

Would you be willing to implement a range of resource protection measures provided that they do not impact upon the profitability of the business and offer suitable compensatory payments ? Over what time scale ?

Would you agree that: advice needs to be delivered over a number of farming seasons so that the benefits from the management options adopted can be evaluated both in terms of environmental gains and impacts upon the farming business.

Summary Farmers are willing to accept that the Agricultural industry does contribute to the diffuse pollutants that impact upon water quality in some catchments. Farmers would be willing to adopt a voluntary approach to addressing the management of inputs as opposed to increased regulations and restrictions that could impact upon profitability/viability. In the light of the WAgriCo study it can be concluded that:

Summary (cont’d) The management of issues associated with diffuse pollutants from Agriculture can be addressed through the provision of timely, locally relevant advice preferably delivered on a one to one basis. The effectiveness of adopted measures would need to be evaluated over a reasonable period (3-5years) and supported via feedback of monitoring data to local farmers/groups.

Any questions about the Questionnaire ?! Thank You for your participation