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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he plans to take to help farmers reduce the level of agricultural run-off in Somerset.

We are focused on working with farmers in Somerset and across England to achieve our long-term goals for farming and the environment.

Nationally, support is in place to enable farmers reduce agricultural run-off. Environmental Land Management schemes are available and pay farmers to deliver environmental benefits, including improved water quality. The Catchment Sensitive Farming programme provides farmers specialised advice to help them reduce pollution to water, soil and air. We also regulate agricultural activities which cause harms and require farmers to take necessary steps to reduce and prevent pollution.

Across Somerset, the Environment Agency (EA) has a programme of farm compliance inspections to tackle both diffuse and point source pollution. Engagement events have provided farmers with a clear understanding of the environmental legislation relevant to their practices and regulatory intervention has been crucial in stopping immediate pollution incidents and ensuring long-term environmental protection. In addition, The EA’s Natural Flood Management Co-ordinator works with partners in Somerset catchments to enable farmers to reduce agricultural run-off and provide guidance and links to funding for interventions.