A £3M scheme has been launched by the government to reduce air pollution from farming.

A team of specialists, funded by the £3m, will work with farmers and landowners on ways that they can reduce ammonia emissions, the key pollutant which causes harm to both human health and the environment.

The reduction of ammonia can also save farmers money by retaining nitrogen, and therefore getting more value from fertiliser.

The team will provide farmers with training events, tailored advice, individual farm visits and support with grant applications, by following the guidance laid out in the new Code of Good Agricultural Practice for Reducing Ammonia Emissions.

All services will be funded by the programme.

Catchment Sensitive Farming, the Environment Agency, Natural England and The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) have partnered together to oversee the scheme.

DEFRA Minister George Eustice said: “There is growing evidence that ammonia emissions can have significant impacts to parts of our environment, so we want to help farmers play their part in reducing them.

“The specialist team of advisers leading this project can advise farmers on steps they can take, such as improved slurry handling facilities, and grants are available where investment is required.”

The announcement comes shortly after the government’s unveiling of the new environmentally-focused Agriculture Bill, which will reward farmers who contribute towards preserving the environment, and includes taking action to improve air and water quality and soil health.