Cash boost for farmers to help improve quality of our water
NINE thousand farmers in the Severn Trent region are being offered match funding of up to £30,000 to encourage environmentally friendly farming practices and protect water quality.
The move aims to reduce agricultural carbon emissions by at least 20 per cent.
Liv Garfield, Severn Trent CEO, said: “We’re investing £100 million a year as part of our Get River Positive commitments to go even further in improving rivers so nature can continue to thrive.
“Agriculture and land management are the biggest contributors to rivers not achieving good ecological status and we are redoubling our efforts to help farmers have more resources and financial support to care for rivers.
“Funding for investments to improve water quality, tree planting and provision of green financing will be made available to incentivise regenerative farming practices.”
Looking to reach as many farmers as possible across the region, Severn Trent is confident the package will be welcomed.
Warwickshire farm manager Martin Downes has been working with the company for several years, using Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS) funding to protect the environment.
“I’m already using regenerative methods, but with the right funding in place, I’d definitely consider turning more of our conventional practices to regenerative alternatives,” he said.
“Given my stress-free and straightforward experiences of applying for STEPS grants, and my great relationship with my Severn Trent agricultural adviser, I’m looking forward to understanding how the new package will continue to support our farming business.”
The new package will include increased matchfunding, of up to £30,000, for items that help protect water quality.
Severn Trent is also extending its Trees for Water scheme to all farmers and landowners in the region, tying into forthcoming legal requirements for farms.
The scheme will fully fund trees, planting and maintenance for 35 years, offering annual bonus payments for eligible sites.