The NFU has welcomed today's release of the Environment Agency's 'State of the Environment 2005' report and is pleased that farmers' commitment to improve the environment is now bearing fruit.
In particular, the EA states that pesticide levels in rivers fell by 23 per cent in 2003; biological quality of water continues to improve; and many wildlife habitats have improved.
NFU President Tim Bennett says, "Farmers play an important role as custodians of the countryside and are already demonstrating their commitment to improving the environment. Currently, 90% of farmers include environmental management as an annual part of their farming operation; 50% of the UK's cropped area is covered by tested sprayers under the Voluntary Initiative; while 1.1 million hectares of farmland is entered into agri-environment schemes.
"Like the EA, however, I acknowledge that more needs to be done and will ensure that the NFU does not stand still tackling this issue. I have recently launched the NFU's environment policy, 'Making Green Ground', which commits the NFU to play a leading role in the environmental challenges facing farmers.
"The NFU is ready to work in partnership with organisations such as the Environment Agency so that environmental improvement can occur hand-in-hand with a profitable and sustainable farming industry."