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<p>The Government has a statutory commitment to reduce ammonia emissions from 2005
levels by 8% by 2020 and by 16% by 2030. Farming accounts for 88% of UK emissions
of ammonia.</p><p> </p><p>The Government’s consultation on a Clean Air Strategy was
published on 22 May. The Strategy proposed that the Government would require and support
farmers to make investments in farm infrastructure and equipment that will reduce
emissions.</p><p> </p><p>We sought views on 3 possible approaches to regulation to
reduce ammonia emissions. Proposals included regulations to reduce emissions from
storage and spreading of slurry and manure and from use of urea-based fertilisers.
We are considering the responses to the consultation, and the final Strategy will
be published by the end of this year.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is providing technical
and financial support for farmers to invest in equipment to reduce ammonia emissions.
Grants are currently available through the Countryside Productivity Scheme to help
farmers purchase manure management equipment including low-emission spreaders and
through the Countryside Stewardship Scheme for slurry tank and lagoon covers for farmers
in priority water catchments.</p><p> </p><p>Defra worked with farming industry organisations
to develop a voluntary Code of good agricultural practice for reducing ammonia emissions
which was published earlier this year. Catchment Sensitive Farming Officers will shortly
be trained to deliver on-farm advice on ammonia mitigation methods.</p><p> </p><p>The
Government has recently consulted on a new system of financial support for farmers,
delivering public money for public goods. This includes improving air quality and
reducing ammonia emissions.</p>
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