The National Farmers Union (NFU) has responded to a new report that claims air pollution is having a devastating effect on Britain’s wildlife.
The report, from Plant Link UK, backed by organisations such as Plantlife, the National Trust and RSPB, found that 90% of heathlands, acid grasslands and sensitive habitats were suffering due to nitrogen emissions from fossil fuel and fertilisers.
But the NFU has hit back at the claims, with NFU Vice President Guy Smith saying that farmers are working hard to reduce nitrogen emissions.
Mr Smith said: “Farmers have made some real improvements to our wildlife, environment and our landscapes, particularly in the past 25-30 years. We see an improving picture, the indications are positive and we need to continue to build on this.
“Nitrogen emissions are down due in part to the fall in livestock numbers and in fertiliser use - application rates have been decreasing since the 1980’s. Good practice and regulation have also been key.”
Innovation and new technology
Mr Smith said support for innovation and new technologies that can help mitigate impacts but sustain growth in the agricultural sector is critical.
He continued: “But planning policy is also important, particularly if we would like more modern, efficient buildings and storage facilities for the food we produce.
“We are importing more and more of our food and if more constraints are placed on UK food production then the net effect is to increase a reliance on imports, which could lead to a net increase in nitrogen use globally. In England, we have high standards when it comes to mitigating environmental impact from food production.
“The agriculture sector has committed to further address emissions through industry-led initiatives such as the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan and Tried & Tested. In addition, the NFU, DairyUK and AHDB Dairy recently updated the ‘Dairy Roadmap’ to highlight the good environmental work that dairy farmers are undertaking.”
Yesterday, a Holyrood report said agriculture is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gases but has one of the lowest climate change targets.
It said the agricultural sector, along with the transport sector, needed to make a greater contribution than laid out in the Scottish government's climate plan.
