“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: grace.righton@nfu.org.uk

Any questions?