The NFU has urged the Government to work with the horticultural industry in order to develop realistic peat reduction targets.
The Natural Environment White Paper, expected to be published next week, may include plans to completely phase out the horticultural use of peat by 2030. The NFU believes that peat should be replaced by sustainable alternatives that add value, but the evidence shows proposals to completely replace peat by 2030 are unachievable.
Richard Benyon, the Minister responsible for peat policy, re-assured the NFU during a recent industry meeting that Government recognises it needs to assist the horticultural industry in reducing peat use and gave his commitment not to let future policy become unrealistic.
The NFU believes the best way to tackle the issue is for the Government to establish a task force, responsible for developing a clear strategy for future sustainable use of peat in horticulture.
NFU horticulture board chairman Sarah Pettitt said: "The NFU agrees there are good environmental reasons why the industry should seek to reduce peat use and replace it with more sustainable alternatives. Many NFU grower members are investigating ways of doing this - and are indeed at the cutting edge of what can be achieved technically and economically for their crops.
"It is imperative the Government fully engages with stakeholders and utilises an evidence-based policy approach that is achievable. Identifying sustainable alternatives that can help further reduce the amount of peat used, tackle biodiversity issues and take carbon emissions into account is the only way to bring about sustainable change in the industry."