Farming and the environment go hand in hand
The Tenant Farmers Association is teaming up with award winning farmer, Emma Bradley, from Nottinghamshire, to show that far from the bad press they often get, farmers make the best environmentalists.
The TFA’s National Vice Chairman Stephen Wyrill said "It is farmers who truly understand the complex and intricate interconnectedness of agriculture and its environment. There are many TFA members who are passionate about the wildlife, habitats and landscapes on their holdings but, understandably, dare not speak a whisper to a Government agency for fear that they will be landed with a layer of meaningless bureaucracy with accompanying rules and regulations that will do more harm than good."
"There is a lack of understanding within the environmental lobby and Government agencies of agriculture’s role in the environment. When they point their collective, single index finger at the farming community through cross compliance, environmental regulation, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones and the like, they fail to recognize the three fingers pointing back at them underlining their mismanagement of the policy environment within which agriculture exists," said Mr Wyrill.
There are those within the farming community who are happy to champion the farmer’s vital role in sustainable management and Emma Bradley is one such farmer. Emma farms Woodland Farm near Retford in Nottinghamshire and is the winner of the Wilkinson’s award for the Best Environmental Farm in Nottinghamshire. To celebrate the award Emma has asked the TFA to join her in an open evening and farm walk on the holding which is to take place on the 11 June.
"At a time when farmers continue to be criticised for the impact of their activities on the environment, it is pleasing to have such an advocate as Emma to show a very different side to the argument. Emma has accomplished a lot and has to be admired for her determination and resolute approach. Woodland Farm is an exemplary show case which should be an inspiration to all" said Mr Wyrill.
