“What role do farmers play in enhancing drinking water ... · • Clear messaging - Who’s...
Transcript of “What role do farmers play in enhancing drinking water ... · • Clear messaging - Who’s...
“What role do farmers play in enhancing drinking water quality?”
Grace Righton - Environment adviser (Water Quality and Ammonia)
A Growing Demand
• World Population expected 9.8 billion by 2050
• By 2050 one hectare will need to feed 7.5 people
Water is vital for agriculture
The UK is currently 60% self sufficient
for food production.
In 1984 the UK was 78% self sufficient
70,000 different pest species damage agricultural crops
Actives being lostFinal Sales Final Use
Diqualt 4th May 2019 4th February 2020
Thiram as a foliar spray 30th January 2019 30th April 2019
Thiram as a seed treatment
30th January 2019 30th January 2020
Pymetrozine 30th April 2019 30th January 2020
Picoxystrobin - 30th November 2018
Thimethoxam, Imidacloprid, Clothianidin
- 19th December 2018
Agriculture has made significant improvementsPlant protection products (PPPs)• 50% less active ingredient applied since 1990• Average weight applied per area decreased by 73% from
1990 to 2017• Average weight of metaldehyde applied per area decreased
by 80% from 1990 to 2017• Over 20,000 members on the National Register of Sprayer
Operators• Around 90% of the UK sprayed area covered by ‘National
Sprayer Testing Scheme’ tested sprayers
Fertiliser application rates have been decreasing since the 80’s • 31% less nitrogen fertiliser• 55% less phosphate fertiliser
How do farmers continue to grow more food and enhance drinking water
quality?
An industry-led programmeSchemes, tools and messages to promote the responsible use of pesticides
• National Register of Sprayer Operators
• National Sprayer Testing Scheme
• Integrated Pest Management Plan
Training
Sprayer technology and testing
Source: @The_Barker_Boys
Integrated Pest Management• Cultural controls
• Crop rotations
• Resistant varieties
• Biological controls/ natural predators
• Site choice
• Altitude
• Bait plants IC-Weeder
Margins
Physical barriers
Beetle banks
Pollinator strips
Agriculture and water industry working together
What is needed for a successful partnership?
• Trust
• Continued sustainable business - If a farming business is not profitable, it is not sustainable.
• Clear messaging - Who’s advice is right? Is it easy to access?
• Positive outcomes for both industries
What helps?
• Peer learning: Farmers learn from other farmers
• Talk about profitability, before you talk about the environment
Benefits of a successful partnership• Sustainable Food
Production
• Supporting clean air, good water quality and good soil condition
• Reduced Water Treatment – Lower water bills for the consumer
Grace Righton – NFU Environment Adviser
Telephone: 024 7685 8852
Mobile: 07786 928284
Email: [email protected]
Any questions?