News blog – response to article on soil health targets

In response to a recent article published in the Guardian, which you can view here – ‘UK farmers to be given first ever targets on soil health‘, Agricology submitted the following:

‘We applaud the Government for its drive to protect our soils (UK farmers to be given first ever targets on soil health – report 13.03.18).  However, policy changes will always be treated with caution by farmers.

Farmers are good at producing healthy food for us to eat, but they are not all scientists.  They need to have the right tools, advice and motivation to ensure the right measures are implemented to protect their soil whilst not compromising productivity.

We would therefore urge policy-makers to think about the practicalities of introducing this new bill, specifically that it is underpinned by robust science presented in an understandable format that is fit for purpose so farmers have the confidence and knowledge to put the appropriate measures into practice.

As a collaboration of over 20 organisations and content from a further 100 institutions, Agricology has become a leading platform for the provision of free, practical information on sustainable farming, including building soil health.  Profiled farmers and video blogs create a trusted environment to share this knowledge.  The Government now needs to ensure that information providers, such as the Agricology initiative, are well supported to tackle the dynamic times ahead.’

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