We get all sorts of enquiries from farmers, landowners, crofters, small holders, students, agencies, partners etc. Here's a few of the most Frequently Asked Questions that people ask us:
Pesticide use is falling: many farmers are adopting farming practices that reduce the need for pesticide applications - known as integrated crop management. This, in combination with more effective sprays, has meant that 23% less pesticide is used now than 10 years ago. Farmers are also using closed transfer systems to reduce the risk of point source pollution and using pesticides on a need only basis.
Through the Voluntary Initiative farmers have met the promised long term trends of wider environmental improvements due to more sensitive farming practices and the influence of the VI.
• The Environment Agency reported a 19% rduction in pesticide levels in rivers in 2004 compared with the mean for 1998-2002 (State of the Environment 2005).
• The VI pilot catchment study has shown that it is possible in some seasons to reduce residues in surface water by more than 98%. he study also highlighted the significance of weather and local effects.
• Defra’s farmland bird indicator confirms that overall populations have stabilised but the effects of pesticides on bird populations are complex because there are many other factors involved (e.g. habitat, predators, weather).
• The SAFFIE research project was particularly successful in developing skylark plots and achieving a 49% icrease in fledglings. Entry-level scheme support has now been given for these.
Beating Targets
The major targets for the VI have been met or exceeded. Crop Protection Management Plans (CPMPs) now recognised in Defra’s Entry Level Scheme, cover 50% o the arable area. There are more than 22,000 members on the National Register of Sprayer Operators (NRoSO) covering over 80% o the sprayed area and more than 11,000 operators were trained in 2005/6.The National Sprayer Testing Scheme (NSTS) has tested equipment covering more than 76% o the area sprayed.
You can get involved by contacting your local FWAG group and becoming a member. See membership section for details or email membership@fwag.org.uk
Alternately you can support the good work that we do, by making a charitable donation here: https://www.charitychoice.co.uk/donation.asp?ref=3272
Farmers carry out conservation work in their farms that supports the delivery of national and local biodiversity targets as part of the delivery of the UK Government's Biodiversity Action Plan. The farmers are supported by their local FWAG adviser to identify important species and habitats on their land and draw up action plans for the protection and enhancement. This conservation work will help government meet the 2010 targets for getting designated sites into favourable condition.
They have voluntarily entered over 1.2 million hectares of their land into conservation agreements that will ensure the countryside is managed in ways that benefit landscapes, wildlife, public access and archaeology
Yes, for example last year over 6,000 farmers received conservation advice from the Farming Wildlife Advisory Group, a voluntary body partly funded by farmers.
Yes, preserving woodland is an example. Since 1920, the area of woodland in the UK has doubled.
Farmers are continuing to support this trend; since 1992 almost 7,000 farmers have planted 42,700 hectares of new woodland. 75% o this woodland comprises traditional broadleaf trees. Most of this planting was undertaken under the Farm Woodland Premium scheme and more latterly the England Woodland Grant Scheme, an initiative of Defra and the Forestry Commission. However, many miles of hedges and many thousands of trees are planted each year without any grant aid, but a a cost to the farmer.
Thousands of farmers have also taken up the conservation initiative through the Environmentally Sensitive Areas, Tir Gofal and Environmental Stewardship agri-environment schemes. There are over 32,000 exisiting scheme agreements in England alone.
Despite publicity to the contrary, more hedgerows are now planted in the countryside than are removed. Between 1990 and 1993, Government surveys showed that every year 4,400 km of new hedgerow were planted and 5,700 km of derelict hedgerows restored.
Making new partnerships is important to the farming community. Many farmers are members of the NFU or CLA as well as FWAG. Through these partnerships farmers gain and exchange knowledge and experience. The RSPB has developed its Farmer and Volunteer Alliance. The scheme was developed to help reverse the decline of farmland bird populations by working together with volunteers and farmers. Since the project began in 1999, we have undertaken 3,350 surveys, with the help of nearly 2,000 volunteers.
The NFU has worked with Defra and the Environment Agency to reduce farm pollution. Since 1990 this has resulted in the reduction of serious farm-related pollution incidents by 88%. his is proof that farmers are committed to looking after our river sand streams.
Around 42,300 beef and dairy farms in England and Wales manage over 160,000 square kilometres land. The Environment Agency has been working successfully with land managers to minimise point source (direct) discharges of pollution to water courses for the past decade. This has solved countless problems, but some remain.
Farmers, in their role as guardians of the countryside, are committed to conserving the natural habitats that have existed on their farmland for many years.
British farmers will continue to produce the food you eat and protect the countryside you love. This has been promoted by the NFU through their programme of Why Farming Matters report that aims to provide clear information on the role farming plays in the rural economy, production of quality food, maintaining diversity in our countryside and to combating climate change
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