Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with farmers on water pollution from fertilisers.

Policy relating to water pollution from agricultural activity is a devolved matter and the information provided therefore relates to England only.

The Secretary of State meets farmers regularly to discuss a variety of important issues, including water pollution caused by agriculture.

Defra has recently run several public consultations relevant to water pollution from agriculture, including from fertiliser use. Farmers have been invited to contribute to the Dame Glenys Stacy review of farm inspections and the Clean Air Strategy. Farmers will also play a crucial part in delivering the next River Basin Management Plans and will be engaged throughout the process.

The Secretary of State will continue to meet farming and agricultural representatives to discuss the future role they can play in protecting the water environment.