‘engaging farmers in practical works’
TRANSCRIPT
‘Engaging farmers in practical works’
Paul CottingtonSW NFU, Environment Adviser
Background
• The NFU recognises that natural flood management techniques, in the right location, can have their place, but they are not the universal panacea and should only be used as part of a cohesive and carefully planned package of measures, such as maintenance and de-silting, looking at upstream attenuation and downstream conveyance to address shorter and longer term flood risk.
Factors that may prevent farmers from getting involved
• The perception that what’s good for the environment is at odds with being productive.
• The lack of a tangible product or output to show for the work - improved soils and a healthier river aren’t as visible as new hedges or fencing, for example.
• An expectation of criticism from environment groups. • Concerns that inspections, fines and added bureaucracy will result from
getting involved in these schemes. • Lack of support from farm advisors to deliver the more complicated aspects of
schemes. • Concern about the longevity of funding for these schemes. • Environment organisations failing to share evidence to explain why they are
asking farmers to get involved. • The assumption that being environmentally friendly will place restrictions on
the farmer.
Liability
• This is always a concern in the background• What happens if:
– The agreement ends– Those that enjoyed the benefits of flood attenuation take it for granted– Who pays for new capital items when they need replacement?– Are we heading to nuisance and negligence?– Can a section 31(6) approach help?
How to engage farmers
• Proactive contact • Stress the agronomic advantage • Be flexible in your approach • Make sure the benefits are crystal clear• Celebrate farmer achievements• Get farmers involved in citizen science• Speak to other relevant organisations and build trusted alliances• Understand the farmer’s circumstances• We’re all in this together• Identify ‘Champions’
