BASIS has launched a free online course to help farmers across the country reduce their ammonia emissions.

It marks the next step in delivering on the industry-wide commitment to Defra to voluntarily reduce ammonia emissions in England by 11.2KT by 2025, which was offered as an alternative to Defra’s original proposals to regulate the use of urea fertiliser.

The module, which has been funded and developed in collaboration with AIC, AICC, CLA, NIAB, Red Tractor and the NFU, is designed to give farmers the knowledge and tools to reduce ammonia emissions from both manufactured fertilisers and organic materials in livestock housing, storage and when applied to land.

As well as helping farmers to protect the natural environment, it will also support the industry’s drive to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency, which is becoming ever more important given the significant financial pressures on farm businesses.

Ammonia lost to the air is nitrogen lost for plant growth. At the same time, ammonia emissions can negatively affect the environment and biodiversity. I am therefore pleased to announce the launch of a new course from BASIS Classroom, about how to reduce ammonia emissions from farming for the benefit of farmers, the environment, and society.
Stephen Jacob, CEO, BASIS Registration.

Defra quote: “Farming has a major role to play in habitat recovery and the measures advised through this course are expected to make a significant contribution to reducing ammonia emissions.”

NFU Deputy President Tom Bradshaw said: “British farmers are really ambitious – we want to be world leaders in producing climate and environmentally friendly food, while also running profitable and sustainable businesses.

“We are constantly looking for new and better ways of doing things. Educational modules like these are a great way to help the industry learn, develop and share best practice – ultimately giving farmers the tools to make the changes we need to make.”