In some ways their workshop was a trial of the trial, with the feedback from this having helped shape the rest of the project, including the request for more support and time to be spent on completing a greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation.
The workshops, run by ADAS, have been split into two sessions.
- The first is designed to help farmers understand agricultural GHGs and the opportunities to tackle them to benefit both the farm business and the climate.
- The second session is more practical and looks at identifying the net zero actions members can implement on their farms using Land Management Plans (LMPs) and GHG calculators. It aims to look at the types of actions that ELMS might support.
Some of the Upland forum’s recommendations after the workshop include:
- Consideration needs to be given to the time required firstly to gather information needed for a GHG calculation and then to go through the process of completing the calculator itself.
- More support and assistance would really benefit farmers the first time that they attempt a GHG calculation.
- More reliable information is required on carbon sequestration. This is especially important for upland farms. The Forum had a long debate about the uncertainty on soil carbon, especially when applied at the level of individual farms.
Jane Bassett, Uplands Forum member, said:
‘‘We as a forum recognise this is an important subject we need to engage with; we have to start to identify on farm where we can improve alongside food production and our environmental work’’.
Richard Pedley, Uplands Forum vice chairman said:
“The Forum agreed to take part because we want our feedback to contribute to ELMS being usable and accessible to all farmers. And I’m heartened that the industry will make progress towards its net zero goal – everyone attending the workshop was keen to have a go at a calculation”
The Test and Trial continues with the final few workshops still to take place, along with 35 one-to-one sessions.
Look out for more feedback as we keep you updated on the project’s progress.