• REA welcome recognition of importance of soil health and highlight the benefits of compost;
• Recognise that soil health is only part of wider picture – urges Government to broaden the scheme;
• Say phasing out of peat is important with compost a great alternative as an ingredient in growing media.

The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) have welcomed the Government’s plans to recognise the importance of soil health under the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

The REA have highlighted the important role that using compost can play in increasing soil organic matter, bringing many benefits such as improved soil structure, better water retention, reduced erosion potential and can increase the ability for soil to store carbon. Using compost is a great way for farmers to look after their soils as well as providing a useful bank of nutrients for future crops.

However, there is acknowledgement that, whilst soil health is crucial, it is not the only factor, stressing the need for the overall decarbonisation of agriculture through a variety of measures. For example, digestate is a great renewable alternative to mineral fertiliser and can reduce farmers’ reliance on these products. The phasing out of peat is also important, with compost acting as a great alternative as an ingredient in growing media, where it meets the technical specification.

The REA would also like the scheme to take account of wider environmental protection measures taken by farmers and to see these changes happen faster to enable the best use of readily available organic materials and reap the environmental benefits now.

Jenny Grant, Head of Organics and Natural Capital at the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), said:

“From a soil health and compost point of view, this is a really positive step by the Government. Improving soil health by increasing organic matter brings many benefits such as improved soil structure, better water retention, reduced erosion potential and can increase the ability for soil to store carbon. Using compost is a great way for farmers to look after their soils as well as providing a useful bank of nutrients for future crops.

“However, the REA recognises that, whilst soil health is crucial, it is not the only factor, and there is an urgent need for the overall decarbonisation of agriculture through a variety of measures.

“The Government must now quickly expand their support, ensuring the level of incentive is adequate and that the scheme encompasses a range of other environmental protection initiatives.”

—ENDS—

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Notes to editors

About the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA): The REA is the UK’s largest trade association for renewable energy and clean technologies   with members operating across heat, power, transport, and the circular bioeconomy. REA Organics forum promotes the benefits of composting, aerobic and anaerobic digestion, and other biological treatment techniques and the use of biologically treated materials for the enhancement of the environment, business and society. For more information, visit: www.r-e-a.net