STRUGGLING farmers should not be made into the scapegoats for other industries which cause environmental damage, claims the Worcestershire chairman of the National Farmers' Union.

Michael Oakes says that despite efforts by many farmers to be environmentally conscious, the industry had become an easy target for blame when it comes to environmental issues.

The 36-year-old chairman, who is one of the youngest in the country to hold the prominent position, made the comments in the wake of Government proposals to extend areas where the use of manure, slurry and fertiliser is restricted.

The initiative, which could effect more than 80 per cent of the country, is aimed at preventing the excessive use of nitrates in soil, which can cause water pollution.

But Mr Oakes said with today's technologies and the financial climate within the agricultural industry, farmers were extremely careful to apply the correct amount of fertilisers and manure to land.

"Farmers are using less and less nitrates, yet are always having the finger pointed at them," he said.

"As incomes diminish, farmers have to be more and more careful about the levels of fertilisers they use as they are very expensive.

"With technologies today and the ability to measure the nitrate levels in manure, farmers can ensure the correct amount is used not excessive amounts which could cause damage.

"But farmers still get blamed for excessive nitrate levels and pollution, when in fact landfill site and industry can also create pollution which can get into the water course. But they don't seem to get the bad press."

He added the proposals for the areas, called Nitrate Vulnerable Zones - NVZs - would lead to further expense for farmers who would need to invest in storage facilities for manure.

"Farmers will not be able to store manure in a heap in the middle of a field," added Mr Oakes, of Brecon Farm, between Bromsgrove and Alvechurch.

"Therefore facilities and space will have to be found to store before doing a deal with an arable farmers to get rid of it.

"In some areas of the country it's necessary, but again it is going to create extra expense for farmers."