British pig farmers have made significant strides in environmental sustainability, with a reported £15.3m (US$19m) in savings on mitigation costs thanks to updated research on ammonia emission factors. Zanita Markham, projects and engagements relationships manager for pork at AHDB, led a multi-year ammonia monitoring trial that resulted in revised emission factors now incorporated into the UK Environment Agency’s framework. This development is expected to streamline future planning applications for the pork sector.
The impetus for this initiative came from international agreements on reducing ammonia emissions, with the UK government setting a target of a 16% reduction by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The clean air strategy highlighted the need for updated emission factors to align with current farming practices, prompting an investment of £250K in levy funds to develop more accurate factors. The findings indicated that costly investments in new infrastructure and technologies could be minimized, as the industry was already on track to meet the 2030 targets.
Ammonia emissions primarily arise from slurry management and nitrogen fertilizers, contributing to environmental issues such as smog, human health impacts, and ecosystem damage. Agriculture accounts for 88% of the UK’s ammonia emissions, with the pork sector contributing approximately 8%. Under the UK’s Environmental Permitting Regulations, pig farms exceeding certain thresholds must secure environmental permits and comply with Best Available Technique Associated Emission Levels.
AHDB’s comprehensive monitoring project, spearheaded by Markham, provided updated data on modern pig housing performance and supported the revision of ammonia emission factors for UK pig housing. The studies revealed that ammonia emissions on pig farms are generally lower than previously estimated, with reductions of approximately 30% for finishers and 50% for weaners. While most systems now meet regulatory requirements, exceptions remain for fully slatted floors, which exceed BAT AELs.
The research highlighted the importance of ongoing innovation and investment in sustainable practices to further reduce emissions. The Environment Agency is set to publish updated standard ammonia emission factors, which will be crucial for assessing the environmental impact of permitted farms and guiding future planning applications. Markham stressed the significance of continued investment to build on the progress achieved and drive further reductions in ammonia emissions.
In conclusion, the collaborative efforts of British pig farmers, AHDB, and regulatory agencies have led to significant cost savings and environmental benefits in the pork sector. By updating emission factors and implementing sustainable practices, the industry is making tangible progress towards meeting environmental targets and ensuring a more sustainable future for pig farming in the UK.