Environment Secretary Michael Gove has published a Clean Air Strategy which aims to cut air pollution and save lives, backed up through new primary legislation.

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Air pollution is the fourth biggest threat to public health after cancer, obesity and heart disease and the new Government strategy sets out how we will go further and faster than the EU in reducing human exposure to particulate matter pollution. Today’s proposals are in addition to the government’s £3.5 billion plan to reduce air pollution from road transport and diesel vehicles, set out in July last year.

The Government has announced for the first time that “concerted action” will be taken to tackle ammonia from farming - which is responsible for 88% of ammonia emissions - by “requiring farmers to invest in the infrastructure and equipment that will reduce emissions”.

Publishing the Clean Air Strategy today (22 May), the Government has confirmed that farmers will be supported to achieve the strategy through the new system of public money for public goods.

Michael Gove said: “Government cannot act alone in tackling air pollution. Our strategy sets out how we will work with businesses, farmers, industry and households to develop innovative new solutions to reduce emissions. It also highlights how we can all take action and playing an important role in cleaning up our air.”

CLA President Tim Breitmeyer said: “Farmers and landowners can make a significant contribution to improving air quality as technology and research allows for more sustainable production systems. We welcome the opportunity to shape and deliver on this strategy.

“We will consider carefully the proposals that require farmers to invest in any system or new infrastructure and equipment that helps deliver sustained improvements. It is important that any scheme put in place provides genuine incentives that support farming businesses to make these changes. This means a system which provides flexibility and easy engagement for applicants alongside clear obligations for delivery.”

Neil Parish, Chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, said:

“The Government’s latest Clean Air Strategy proposes a range of measures to tackle air pollution. Whilst this is to be welcomed, the strategy falls short of what is required. There is a clear need for improved collaboration across Government Departments to tackle this national health crisis, but the new strategy offers few concrete proposals on how this will be achieved.  

“The lack of attention paid to improving public transport is particularly troubling, as it is crucial to reduce the need for private vehicles in urban air quality hotspots. I hope that the Government will listen to the consultation responses and publish a more ambitious set of measures as soon as possible.”