Defra has announced plans to support farmers in the plight to curb water pollution with a new initiative.
As part of a £25m two-year programme, special advisers will help farmers in 40 areas in the UK highlighted as priority areas for action. They will work on a one-to-one basis with farmers, as well as leading a series of initiatives to encourage best practice, including workshops and demonstrations.
The government says agriculture-related pollution can have serious effects on local rivers, lakes and coastal waters, with excess nutrients from fields boosting the growth of algae, which can force out plants or suffocate fish. Combating such problems is expensive and Defra estimate that the removal of chemicals from drinking water alone costs every water customers seven pounds annually.
Announcing the new drive, Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: "One of the greatest challenges we face in boosting the quality of our water environment is in tackling pollution from agriculture. This new initiative will help address this threat by providing farmers with the understanding and know-how needed to improve farming practices.
"Working to reduce water pollution will have wide benefits -protecting plants and animals, improving the quality of water at our beaches, and also benefiting tourism.
"We are playing our part by paying for a network of expert advisers to provide free advice by establishing a partnership between Defra, the EA, and Natural England, to help farmers to act. Now I am looking for a positive reaction from the farming industry".
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