Bethan Williams works with our environment team.
She writes:
The UK is a nation that understands the importance of soil protection; soil is one of our greatest assets. We respond to regulation, we adapt to the environment and we push for better farm management. Therefore on the global stage we have a good story to tell.
As land caretakers, farmers and growers are in a position of responsibility; they understand the importance of good soil because fundamentally, good soil means a good crop. However it was interesting to hear the other perspectives such as where is Europe going with its political agenda; whether farmers should be left to their own devices; or whether regulation should be there for all.
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Matt Ware, head of government and parliamentary affairs - Counting the manifesto matches as polling day approaches
Ruth Mason, chief food chain adviser - The rise of the discounters...should we worry?
Catherine McLaughlin, chief adviser for animal health and welfare - No 'one-size fits all' on animal disease
Mark Pope, NFU Environment Forum chairman - Farmers have a strong story on the environment
Global Soil Week gave us the opportunity to talk openly and clearly with other participants about what farmers need to do to enhance soil quality. But we also wanted to show that farmers are learning, trying and are on a constant journey to improve the management of their land.
It is key from the work that I have done that flexibility is the key to successful soil management – and that fundamental principle should be the same with regulation.
Every soil is different, on every farm, in every region. It is the resource that needs the most flexibility within management and it needs the most understanding within regulation.
Regulation needs to be there to help and not hinder our already developing approach to soil management.
Education, promotion and enhancement were other key areas that I highlighted. Delegates, including European Commission, were impressed with our approach to farmer engagement and our industry initiatives that consistently promote resource protection.
My final thoughts from Global Soil Week?
There are many excellent farmers around doing great things, and there are many more looking over the hedge seeing what is being done. This year is the International Year of Soils and I would urge farmers and growers to think about the one thing they can do more to help their soil.
Then next year when we go back to Global Soil Week, we’ll have an even better story to tell.
Click on the logos below to find out about some of the voluntary environmental work going on in British farming: