Enhancing The Environment

Healthy natural ecosystems are the bedrock of sustainable agriculture – and are going to be central to new agri-environment payments for farmers.

But despite efforts to improve the environment so far, biodiversity indicators show that the decline in priority species continues, while water resources are also under strain.

Helping you to help nature

We know that habitat loss from agricultural activities is a major reason for biodiversity loss, and that mismanagement of plant protection products and fertilisers has implications for pollution, particularly water.

At the same time, climate change and development are also intensifying pressures on water resources, species and habitats.

Five Point Plan: Enhancing The Environment

What we’re doing to support nature

To maximise the benefits (to nature and your pocket) of the new agri-environment schemes, we’re expanding our environmental training programme for all our agronomists and customers
To grow profitable crops with reduced crop protection inputs, we’re launching a “Green Horizons” research challenge to gain better knowledge
We will continue to support you with tailored environmental advice services, and have a variety of seed suppliers to help you improve a range of environmental resources on farm. This includes creating and managing quality habitats with the same care and attention as your crops

To reach the NFU’s target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, we commit to working with you to learn and achieve this together. Our new net zero iFarm will also help us better understand how to reduce your whole farm business’ carbon footprint
Virtual training will be launched to spread best practice for application of PPPs. This will help increase farm safety and reduce the risk of PPPs impacting non-target organisms or polluting water resources
We will continue to run course with our University partners on agriculture and the sustainable management of crops and the environment, as we have for a decade