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Project Name Innovation in agricultural resource management (Growing Devon’s Soil Economy) - increased agricultural productivity, improved water quality, cleaner roads, better wildlife habitats and reduced downstream flooding Lead Organisation Prepared by the LNP’s Resilient Wetlands Working Group: Lewis Jones (SWW – RW Board lead), Orlando Venn (Natural England), Hugh Davey / Trevor Cronin (Environment Agency), Roland Stonex (Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group South West), Laurence Cauldrick (WCRT), Paul Cottington (NFU), Sarah Jennings (Devon County Council), Devon Wildlife Trust Contact details Name Email Phone number Lewis Jones / Orlando Venn (as leads for the RW working group) [email protected] 07966 200695 Outline Project Description Please describe the activity that you plan to undertake. Objectives: Increase agricultural profit (through increased productivity and savings) through improved soil & water management Reduced diffuse pollution and improved water quality for fisheries and wildlife (WFD / Bio 2020 targets) Reduced flooding and impacts on infrastructure / businesses / homes Reduced soil on roads More and better quality wildlife habitat Approach: A. Real farm research trials and sharing learning Strengthen links between research (Exeter Uni, Rothamstead, Duchy, Bicton) and farmers, taking a farmer led approach to disseminating learning. Build on the work of previous / existing initiatives (see list below) to establish a network of ‘real farm’ trial / demonstration sites to develop research ideas and how they can be implemented in a practical setting on typical Devon mixed / livestock farms. This would include established measures such as subsoiling and aeration as well as trail innovative measures such as use of new grass varieties, cover crops, ‘mob’ grazing methods and sediment ponds. Produce and disseminate some simple metrics related to yield/DM, cost, practical considerations Communicate via farm discussion groups & open events at demo farms. This ‘peer to peer’ learning has been shown to work well and there are already groups of farmers interested in adopting the approach e.g. Tamar Valley Organic Group. Pilot the use of simple water quality test kits provided to farmers Pilot the use of a ‘hydromomentum’ rainwater harvesting system Ensure that all information is easily available on a website (could be building on SWARM / swcatchments …wherever best for farmers) Hold a large conference for farmers / advisers / researchers / flood teams etc to share learning Develop a ‘triage’ referral system for dealing with incidents of soil erosion / flooding involving DCC Highways & Flood Management and the Environment Agency. There is growing concern about maize growing to supply Anaerobic Digestion plants in various locations in Devon – the project will trial alternative crops eg wholecrop rye and perennial grasses and see how they can fit into livestock systems. B. Funding / advice Further to (A) above identify land management techniques that can achieve a range of benefits in priority areas and work up schemes with land managers. Use funding to develop and run reverse land-use auctions for land managers to cost effectively manage flood risk and achieve other environmental benefits (as done by the WCRT on the Fowey catchment using Defra funding using contracts / 25 year covenants). Provide funding for equipment / loan equipment (e.g. subsoilers) and capital funding for landscape features (eg sediment ponds, hedgebanks) to encourage uptake and implementation of the most successful measures. The farmers will be encouraged to work in groups with the trial / demonstration farmer taking the lead. Build on the learning from existing projects (CSF / WW / NIA), and where appropriate provide increased capacity to develop these projects further, to provide farm advice (soils, water, wildlife habitats) in identified priority areas. Ensure clear signposting to available sources of support eg RDPE schemes. Ensure all farm advisers receive soils, water and wildlife training. Establish a new team of modern farm ‘soil health’ specialists to provide a programme of locally specific training for farmers around the demonstration sites. Previous / existing initiatives (not comprehensive) South West Agricultural Resource Management (SWARM) / Soils for Profit was funded by RDPE – now ended? http://www.swarmhub.co.uk/swarm_ini.php?id=2470 Working Wetlands / Upstream Thinking (culm grassland restoration) http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/working-wetlands/ Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area - http://www.northerndevonnia.org/water-resources Mires on the Moors / Upstream Thinking Catchment Sensitive Farming Programme https://www.gov.uk/guidance/catchment-sensitive-farming-reduceagricultural-water-pollution British Grassland Society ‘Soil smart and nutrient wise’ booklet, appendix promoting farm trials (web link above) Sustainable Intensification Research Platform – Exeter Uni lead with study farms at North Wyke and Duchy + landscape areas include the Taw http://www.siplatform.org.uk/ Need: Recent research work has shown that a healthy soil with a good structure and plenty of soil organic matter provides increased agricultural productivity and environmental benefits such as reduced flood risk and enhanced water quality / biodiversity. Many farmers have had their awareness raised, this project seeks to provide more convincing evidence that their livelihood would benefit from a new approach to soil husbandry. New report on SWARM hub concludes that biologically active soils need 25% less fertiliser. Through EA’s work on the Water Framework Directive (WFD) agricultural diffuse pollution has been identified as one of the principal reason for Devon’s rivers, estuaries and Bathing Waters not achieving the required standards. Countryside Stewardship coverage for Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) within parts of Devon is being scaled back from previous targeting and will not effectively tackle the issues where diffuse pollution is a high priority. A toolkit of approaches is needed to increase farmer participation – farmer led / advisory etc Geography – Where will activity take place? Use emerging Catchment Partnership data (flood risk / diffuse pollution / water quality / bathing waters/ habitat etc) and action plans to focus funding on areas of most need / areas where multiple benefits can be achieved / areas where ‘traditional’ flood mitigation measures are not economically viable (Potential areas include – Yealm, Lemon, Dawlish Water, Clyst, Mardle at Buckfastleigh and the Taw / Torridge). There are three and a half Catchment Partnerships being developed across Devon (Tamar, North Devon, East Devon and South Devon) hosted by Devon Wildlife Trust, West Country Rivers Trust, South Devon AONB, and the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. A website has just been launched http://swcatchments.info/ Timing – Over what time period Beginning 2016 (altho ideally 2015 as = International Year of Soils) will activity take place? Trials: years 1-5 Extension/grants: years 2-5 End 2020 (end of current Common Agricultural Policy round) Partners – Who are the potential As well as organisations listed under ‘leads’ there is support from: partners? Please indicate if partners have been involved in the development of the project to date, or if they have yet to be approached. British Grassland Society - expertise in running trials and building farmer discussion groups. Rothamsted Research (North Wyke station) – believe such a project in the SW could make an impact nationally and internationally. Duchy College / Bicton University of Exeter –could provide social and economic analysis. Possible industry partners (not yet approached) include: Mole Valley, Dairyco, Eblex Fit with Natural Devon’s aims Fit with Natural Devon’s priority themes - Please select the primary theme(s) that your project supports, as well as any themes where the project makes a secondary contribution. If your project does not have a primary theme, please select the appropriate secondary themes. More information can be found at http://www.naturaldevon.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2014/01/Final-DLNPprospectus-jan20141.pdf Fit with HOTSW LEP Strategic Economic Plan Priorities. Appendix 1 provides a summary of the Priorities for Growth. More information can be found: http://www.heartofswlep.co.uk/strategiceconomic-plan To protect and improve Devon’s natural environment To grow Devon’s green economy To reconnect Devon’s people with nature Commentary: See Outcomes section Naturally Healthy Green Connections Outdoor Learning Farming with Nature Wood for Good Resilient Wetlands Sustainable Seas Primary Primary Secondary Primary – improved beach and water quality / potential for access Primary – contribution to GI network and supports growth Secondary – opportunities for learning Primary – promoted innovation in farming Secondary – links to creation of wet woodland / hedges / buffers Primary – significant improvements Primary – water / shell fisheries / beach quality Please describe how your project contributes to the Heart of the SW LEP’s Priorities for Growth (see Appendix A). Please list the priorities where your project could make a direct contribution and explain how it will contribute. Creating the Conditions for Growth Transport and accessibility – reduced blockages of rural roads through reduced soil runoff. Reduced costs to DCC highways. Sustainable solutions for flood management – reduced height, area affected and duration of flooding due to increasing ability of soil to hold water, and targeted placement of water interception features. Maximising Productivity and Employment Opportunities Enterprise infrastructure – increasing farm productivity by harnessing the potential of a biologically active soil and use of appropriate equipment eg subsoilers, aerators, mole ploughs to speed up the repair of damaged soils Increased farm soil and water expertise will lead to increased farm productivity. Project will support grassland based farming and help realise the new Protected Geographical Indication for SW grassland farms. Employment sites and housing growth - Residential and employment growth identified in Local Plans needs to take full account of flood risk. Areas of existing residential and employment land are already impacted by flooding, as seen in the 2012-14 floods. Upstream land management often provides a more resilient, financially viable approach to flood mitigation than continual improvements to hard infrastructure, particularly in the face of a changing climate. It can also deliver a wide range of social and environmental improvements such as public access and biodiversity gain. The reverse auction approach proposed can achieve the full range of environmental and social objectives at the least-cost, thereby providing a truly sustainable solution Capitalising on our Distinctive Assets Science / Innovation infrastructure – new techniques will be trialled in liaison with research institutions eg new grass varieties. Increased support and profile for our agri research institiutions. Maximising our environmental assets – Soils - soil is a primary asset, all life depends upon it. Soils in Devon are particularly vulnerable due to slopes and high rainfall. Biologically active soils with raised levels of soil organic matter are more resilient to climate extremes. Water - Improve the quality of rivers, bathing beaches and shell fisheries to achieve Water Framework Directive targets. Wildlife habitats – Existing sites better management and new habitats created to achieve Biodiversity 2020 targets Devon landscapes enhanced through habitat management and creation. Technical skills development – project will develop soils and water knowledge and practical skills of farmers and their advisers. Skills aligned to transformational opportunities – Devon is a transformation area and grassland farmers are currently over-reliant on advisers with vested interest in continued use of artificial inputs. Biologically active soils need fewer inputs of fertiliser and pesticides so reduce the cost of inputs which allow more profit to invest. Financials What is the estimated total project cost? What proportion of total project cost are capital costs? Have you secured any funding for the project yet? If so, list amounts and sources. In your view, what are the potential sources of funding for this project? Scalable depending on ambition Minimum £1,500,000? More accurate figs can be produced from EA WFD cost benefit outputs 30-50% EA Catchment Partnership Action Fund bids submitted by WCRT for reverse auction. Success?? - - Outcomes - Please describe what you expect the project to achieve in terms of Environmental, Social and Economic Outcomes Local Growth Fund European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development EA Catchment Partnership Action Fund S106 for development biodiversity offsetting / drainage requirement / SUDS Local Levy (Regional Flood & Coastal Cttee) LEADER/LAG Countryside Stewardship Countryside Productivity Scheme Match funding from farmers (infrastructure), CSF?, EA FCRM 6 yr programme , SWW Downstream Thinking etc? Environmental Outcomes: Reduced flood peaks due to increasing ability of soil to hold water, and targeted placement of water interception features. Reduced losses of nutrients, (particularly phosphorous) silts and FIOs into watercourses leading to improved water quality in rivers and bathing waters (WFD targets). Increased soil biodiversity with knock on benefits to birds etc. Re-creation of landscape/habitat features eg ponds, hedges, field margins etc and benefits to wildlife eg greater horseshoe bats. Re-creation and management of wildlife habitats e.g. culm grassland, wet woodlands (Biodiversity 2020 targets) Social Outcomes: ‘Reconnecting people with the soil’: agricultural productivity over the last c30 years has relied heavily on artificial inputs and larger machinery but productivity has now stalled. Appreciation of the physical and biological properties of soils has been neglected. Demonstrating the potential ecosystem services from farmland Skills development / potential educational links / potential access opportunities where appropriate Economic Outcomes: Reduced expenditure on flood and soil erosion mitigation measures. Reduced expenditure on nutrient stripping. Increased crop/grass yield produced at lower cost Increased ability of soil to break down wastes eg sewage sludge, avoids costly disposal. Increased traffickability and reduced erosion. More efficient use of artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Quantifiable outputs - Please provide any information you have about quantifiable benefits? Please describe how these have been estimated. Draft 9 x farm demonstration sites set up 27 x open days held (3 per site) 3 x soil health advisers 900 x farm advisory visits / reports 60 x capital grants (up to £7,500ea) Widespread dissemination of trials results and the agronomic and agrieconomic benefits specific to the County 2000 x livestock farm soil information packs disseminated Consultation – What consultation Refer to project partners question above has already occurred is more required? Statutory Approvals – What statutory approvals will be required for the project? Are these in place? Risks – What are the main risks associated with this project? Planning permission and EA approval may be needed for some on-farm structures and landscape features. These will be dealt with on a case-bycase basis. Oil price stays low? Land owner buy in for reverse auctions – although successfully implemented on the Fowey catchment. Range of approaches (farmer led, adviser, auctions) increased the chances of buy in. Appendix 1: Heart of the SW LEP Priorities for Growth Creating the Conditions for Growth Improving our infrastructure and services to underpin growth Place Business People Maximising Productivity and Employment Opportunities - stimulating jobs and growth across the whole economy Capitalising on our Distinctive Assets Utilising our distinctive assets to create opportunities for business growth and better jobs The infrastructure and facilities needed to support higher value growth: Specialist marine sites Science/Innovation infrastructure Maximising our environmental assets Infrastructure for growth: Transport and accessibility Digital infrastructure Sustainable solutions for flood management Energy Infrastructure The infrastructure and facilities to create more and better employment: Enterprise infrastructure Strategic employment sites Unlocking housing growth Creating a favourable business environment A simpler, more accessible, business support system, tailored to our needs o Improving access to finance o Stimulating enterprise and growth Creating a responsive environment, where businesses and individuals can reach their potential: Skills infrastructure and facilities Accessibility to education/employment (transport, careers advice and digital inclusion) Employer engagement and ownership Achieving more sustainable and broadly based business growth: Reaching new markets (on-line, supply chains, public sector) Globalisation (exports and inward investment) Supporting higher value growth: Innovation through Smart Specialisation Building our capacity for innovation Increasing employment, progression and workforce skills. Moving people into employment Supporting people to progress to better jobs Improving workforce skills Creating a world class workforce to support higher value growth: Enterprise and business skills Technical and higher level skills development and retention Maximising the skills and employment opportunities aligned to our transformational opportunities.