ENVIRONMENTAL advisors don’t always get an easy ride from farmers, but one has just hung up his clipboard with glowing testimonies from the North Wales agricultural industry.

Senior agriculture officer Martin Price has retired from Environment Agency (EA) Wales after 33 years service with the agency and its predecessors.

Since joining the EA Wales agriculture team in 2005, he is said to have saved farmers tens of thousands of pounds with his down-to-earth advice.

John Booth, who runs a large dairy herd at Rhual Farm, Mold, said Martin’s involvement at the holding had eased its transition to NVZ compliance.

He said: “As I understand it, Martin used to manage a large farm, so he had an understanding of the problems faced by farmers.

“He is very approachable and he always puts you at your ease. It’s a great shame that he’s gone.”

David Edwell, of EA Wales, said: “Martin understood his job was much more than enforcing any regulation, but to help farmers to comply by offering good advice and guidance.

“We recognise that as an agency we have to work closely with farmers to achieve the environmental improvements we want – and people like Martin led the way. He will be missed.”