DEPARTMENT FOR
ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (94/08) issued by
The Government News Network on 31 March 2008
The Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has today published a
consultation on protecting England's soils for the future
through a new Soil Strategy.
Our soils are essential for supporting food production,
supporting habitats and biodiversity, and providing a platform for
built development.
Soils also contain huge amounts of carbon and there is some
evidence to suggest that carbon levels are declining in some
soils, resulting in the release of CO2 into the atmosphere and
contributing to climate change. One of the key aims of the draft
Strategy is to halt the loss of soil carbon.
Other aims of the Strategy are to support food and fibre
production, especially in the light of the need for climate change
adaptation; to support planners and the construction industry to
ensure that soils are considered in built developments; and to
ensure that soil protection is considered when encouraging the
recycling of organic materials such as compost and manures to land.
Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Marine, Landscape & Rural
Affairs, said:
"Soil is a vital natural resource and the protection of our
soils is essential for the future of our ecosystems, for farming
and food production, and for reducing our CO2 emissions. We are
seeking views on how we will continue to protect this vital
resource in years to come."
The draft Soil Strategy and consultation can be viewed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/soilstrategy/index.htm
Notes to Editors
1. Defra published a Soil Action Plan in 2004 and the new draft
Soil Strategy builds on the work achieved through this.
2. Defra is working closely with the devolved administrations in
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, who are developing their own
soils policy.
Public enquiries 08459 335577;
Press notices are available on
our website http://www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
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http://www.defra.gov.uk