Three free workshops to help South East based Farmers (fruit, arable, grassland), market gardeners, horticulturalists, agronomists and foresters reap the benefits of using quality assured recovered materials will be held on the following dates:   

•  23rd May, 5-9pm Chichester   
•  20th June, 5-9pm Witney   
•  30th June, 9am-1pm Tonbridge

The series of workshops from European Pathway to Zero Waste (EPOW) - a partnership between the Environment Agency and WRAP - will provide expert advice and guidance on how to reduce reliance on chemical fertilisers and herbicides through use of quality assured recovered material. They will outline how to source materials locally so reducing transportation costs, as well as improving soil structure, nutrient profile and drainage.

Quality assured recovered material refers to that which complies with the standards and process set out in the Quality Protocols published by the award winning Waste Protocols Project. Materials include quality assured compost and quality assured gypsum, which can be used as a soil treatment agent and has been shown to have a lower toxicity than naturally occurring gypsum¹. Quality assured recycled aggregates may also be of interest to farmers when constructing or maintaining on-site buildings and pathways. These materials can be low in cost, reliable and flexible.

The workshops will also cover quality assured anaerobic digestate, which will be available as a liquid or fibrous material providing even more flexibility for the end user.

“Through these workshops we want to help farmers and other key audiences to take advantage of the cost and environmental benefits of using quality assured material.” says Margaret Doherty, EPOW Programme Director.

Distance from supply also influences the overall cost differential between quality assured recovered material and the virgin equivalent. Through the workshops we will also provide advice and guidance on local suppliers to help businesses reduce their transportation costs.

To register for the workshops please visit Quality Materials Sector Workshops South East

Email or contact The Environment Council on 0208 816 7546

More information on European Pathway to Zero Waste can be found at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/epow