The Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) programme has been extended to cover the whole of England, giving all farmers access to tailored support on environmental schemes, grants and regulations.
Local CSF advisers had previously provided advice to farmers in areas where environmental concern was greatest.
According to Natural England, 24,000 farms had taken more than 80,000 positive actions to reduce pollution under the programme since it was established in 2006.
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This had helped reduce agricultural pollutants, with nitrogen levels dropping by 4%, phosphorus levels down 8%, and a drop of 12% in sediment, Natural England said.
Jen Almond, national operations director for the organisation, explained that the success of the programme meant it was being extended.
“We are rolling out advice to all farmers in England to help them produce food in a way that protects our water, air and soil, while minimising losses and maximising efficiencies.”
Ms Almond added that advice would be available on agricultural transition schemes, grants, natural flood management, and the benefits of sustainable farming practices.
For example, advice on rainwater harvesting is one of the ways CSF advisers are supporting farmers.
They can provide information on the grants available, potential cost savings and benefits to crop yields, she said.
Advisers offer a range of support, including signposting to relevant sources of advice, offering one-to-one, tailored advice or group training events from an agricultural specialist.
A survey of farmers who had contact with a CSF adviser early this year found that 83% of farmers who had contact with their CSF adviser agreed they were a person whose advice they could trust.
Further information
Details on how to contact local advisers can be found on the government’s website
