Farmers get help to cut pollution and boost profits

Computer software designed to help farmers cut pollution and boost profits by managing their fertiliser use has been launched by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Environment Agency.

On show for the first time at Cereals 2004, the PLANET Nutrient Management system is an electronic guide for farmers to help them get the most out of fertilisers while protecting the environment.

Defra put £500,000 towards the new software which helps farmers plan fertiliser use for individual crops and record what they actually use, reducing the risk of diffuse pollution which is estimated to cause more than £250m of damage a year.

Agriculture is responsible for more than 40 per cent of phosphates and 70 per cent of nitrates in English rivers and waterways.

Food and Farming Minister Larry Whitty said:

"Reducing diffuse pollution is essential for sustainable agriculture.

"This new programme will help farmers manage fertiliser and organic manure nutrients on their land more effectively, which will help to maximise their profits as well as reduce the risk of pollution. PLANET will also help farmers comply with Nitrate Vulnerable Zone rules."

PLANET software will be available free later this year. For more information and to register for a copy, go to

www.planet4farmers.co.uk.