SEPA welcomes the publication today of the Scottish Executive’s Agricultural Strategy which clearly identifies the importance of the relationship between agriculture and environment. SEPA believes that the most effective measures to protect and improve the environment involve strong partnership underpinned by a sound economic framework and fair regulation.

The document The Prevention of Environmental Pollution from Agricultural Activities Code of Practice which offers practical guidance on farming in ways which minimise risk to the environment will be revised (Action 43). SEPA has also been tasked with helping develop cost-effective approaches which assist farmers in tackling water pollution and waste, for example farm pollution prevention.

Under the forthcoming European Water Framework Directive (WFD) agriculture will play a key role in efforts to protect and improve Scotland’s water environment. This Directive will provide a unique opportunity to reconsider the impact of agriculture on water quality and aquatic habitats.

Commenting on the Strategy, SEPA’s Chief Executive, Tricia Henton, said:

“SEPA looks forward to working closely with the Scottish Executive and the agriculture industry to promote compliance with established good practice. We would also encourage the development of cost-effective, innovative and forward looking solutions to preventing environmental damage. SEPA also notes with interest the concept of Land Management contracts and looks forward to exploring the opportunities these may present for addressing environmental areas of interest.”


ENDS

• Agriculture is a significant cause of polluted waters. Diffuse agricultural pollution has increased over the last 50 years as farming methods have intensified. It poses a serious long-term threat to the water quality of rivers, lochs, groundwaters and estuaries.
  
  
• Current projections suggest that unless significant improvements occur in pollution control from farm land, diffuse agricultural pollution will be the most important cause of river pollution by 2010 (Diffuse agricultural pollution results from the run-off of pesticides, organic waste, soil and nutrients from agricultural land).
  

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