South East Water has nearly doubled its funding for farmers in the south east looking to protect their maize fields by planting any species of grass post-harvest.
The drinking-water only company has increased their October post-maize grass funding from £110 to £200 per hectare ‘to help farmers after a difficult year’, while continuing with the company’s commitment to reduce sediment, pesticide and nutrient input into rivers and aquifers across the south east.
Catchment advisor Tom Abbotts says: “With harvest over, now is the perfect time to think about winter field cover to protect against soil erosion and nutrient leaching.”
“We know this has been an extremely challenging growing season with difficult ground conditions for inter-row sowing, but it’s not too late to protect your fields – and local water sources.”
He continues: “In addition to this increase in maize funding, farmers in our priority catchment areas can access up to £20,000 per year for farm infrastructure improvements, land management and free water efficiency audits.”
“Other land management options available to those in our priority catchment areas include £75 per hectare for winter cover crops.”
The full list of funding is available at southeastwater.co.uk/grants. For those interested in the special post-maize offer, applications must be submitted by Monday October 31, visit southeastwater.co.uk/maize for more information.
