"Cover crops provide a range of benefits to the farmer and the wider environment, including reducing nitrate leaching and soil erosion. However, the cost of seed and establishment of the crop can put some farmers off, so this scheme allows the water companies to obtain the benefits they provide but we share the financial cost. We know that in several Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire groundwater catchments we are seeing increasing nitrate concentrations, and cover crops can help mitigate this as well as providing other benefits to the soil and the environment. Nitrate concentrations are also rising in South Cambs.

Bids that include species that are more effective in reducing nitrate leaching and have earlier establishment dates will capture more nitrate therefore are likely to be more competitive.  The bidding system includes a dial which will indicate to farmers where their  bid sits in comparison to other bids."

Shaun Dowman, Agricultural Advisor, Affinity Water.

“If a bid becomes uncompetitive, the farmer will receive an email informing them of this. It is a very fair bidding system, as it allows farmers to adjust and edit their bid at any time before the auction closes.”

“Whether farmers are new to the scheme or have taken part previously there is full support available to them to help them make the right cover cropping choices for their farms. FWAG East will be supplying advice on cover crops and will help farmers through the bidding process.”

Jennifer Thomas Catchment Advisor, Cambridge Water.