Environmental sound farming practices can help farm profitability while reducing environmental impacts

Barbara Young, Chief Executive of the Environment Agency, at this year's Royal Show will tell how the environment is not a cost or burden, but can produce cost savings.

"Already there are many examples of farmers being innovative in managing their impacts on the environment in the context of their farm business - we want other farmers to have the opportunity of gaining from their experience.

The Environment Agency has already identified examples of win-win practice:

- In the crops sector, best estimate of savings is £570 million per year, equating to 10.6% of total income for this sector

- A mixed farm could save up to £1,200 per year through the appropriate use of organic manure, amount to 8% of average farm income in that sector

- Improvements in water and slurry management could save hills farmers nearly £1,000 per year

- Rainwater recycling could save a horticultural business £30,000

There are many more examples where farmers can learn from each other.

Barbara Young will conclude that agricultural sustainability does not stop with farmers: "For those affiliated with the industry, who train, who give advice, who sell, who buy, who lend, who contract. You also can make a big impact on sustainability. Care of the environment stretches across the whole food production chain."

The Environment Agency is helping to facilitate the sharing of best practice among farmers. Work in this area includes:

- The NFU sponsored agriculture category of the Water Efficiency Awards - see www.environment-agency.gov.uk/savewater for this year's call for entries or to read about previous winners

- Advice and guidance through the Environment Agency's Best Farming Practice report which is available at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/farming

- Work on Landcare projects on the Hampshire Avon and Rother Valley, a partnership with local farmers and others to provide practical solutions to reduce the effect of diffuse pollution using low cost or no cost solutions.

- Partnerships, advice and guidance on the Voluntary Initiative