The progress report also highlights voluntary and integrated approaches to environmental improvement can work well alongside regulation and economic incentives.

Commenting on the report, chairman of the NFU dairy board Gwyn Jones said: “The achievements of the dairy sector in improving environmental performance are increasingly showcased in the superb work that has been done across the industry under the banner of the Environmental Plan for Dairy Farming.

“This initiative has shown that where leading industry players and government do come together and co-operate, they can help to deliver solutions to the environmental challenges that we all face.”

Those organisations involved have implemented projects to deal with specific issues detailed in the plan. The NFU and Environment Agency have carried out work on water management through the guide ‘Waterwise on the Farm’ and DairyCo established a number of environmental demonstration farms last year to illustrate best practice which has also been embodied in the dairy demonstration farms set up by Farming Connect in Wales.

The collective organisations have increased the industry focus on nutrient management planning through extension work on farm, case studies and promotion. In addition, there have been two successful industry-wide environmental conferences organised by DairyUK.

There have been a number of developments during the two years since the plan was launched. Climate change has risen up the list of priorities for the dairy industry and dealing with regulatory burdens is likely to become tougher for farmers with the implementation of the new Nitrates Action Plan. Furthermore, taking on the mantle of monitoring the progress of targets set out in the recently launched industry wide Milk Roadmap will also form a large part of the work of the stakeholder group in the future.

Nevertheless, the stakeholders involved in the plan, believe that its success hinges on getting buy-in from farmers through collaboratively promoting integrated solutions such as nutrient management planning and participation in agri-environment schemes for dairy farmers, together with improving understanding of environmental issues in the dairy sector between dairy farmers, advisers and regulators.

Notes for Editors:

The report will be launched on the NFU stand (Exhibition Hall 3, stand 300) at this year’s Dairy Event and Livestock Show 2008 at Stoneleigh Park.

The Environmental Plan for Dairy Farming steering group comprises representatives from the National Farmers Union, Defra, Welsh Assembly Government, Environment Agency, DairyCo, Dairy UK and the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers.

The Milk Roadmap, launched in May 2008, sets short, medium and long term targets to improve the environmental performance of producing, processing and consuming liquid milk. For a copy of the Milk Roadmap click here.

For a copy of the report ‘The Environmental Plan for Dairy Farming-Progress and Achievements’ please contact the NFU press office on 02476 858678

-ends-

NFU, Agriculture House, Stoneleigh Park, Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2TZ

Press Officer: Mike Thomas

Telephone: 024 7685 8686 FAX: 024 7685 8651 ISDN: 02476 416289

Http://www.nfuonline.com

The NFU champions British farming and provides professional representation and services to its farmer and grower members.