Margaret Beckett has called for Britain to become a low-carbon economy in a speech to the Environment Forum at an ERM Green Alliance event in London.

She said that a consultation paper will be published next spring seeking views on ways of dealing with ammonia pollution from livestock farming. Beckett also called on the green lobby groups and the private sector to work with the government on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy.

"We want a farming industry that is not only competitive, modern and making I contribution to the rural economy, but contributing too to our biodiversity strategy. We all want our farmland alive again with the sound of songbirds, our seas rich again with fish and our people able readily to enjoy the beauty of our landscape and our natural heritage,'' she said.

Forum Response: Environmental Services Association

Dr Andrew Ainsworth, senior policy executive at the Environmental Services Association told ePolitix.com: "We welcome the secretary of state's speech, in particular her emphasis on partnership, the acknowledgement of the EU dimension and her acknowledgement of the need to develop pertinent skills."

"We also support her comments regarding the National Training Organisation and her acknowledgement of the role of CHP. She makes an implicit recognition of how the commercial sector can work with organisations like the ESA in their commercial interest and for environmental benefit. Our Members are already working with manufacturers to achieve higher resource efficiency."

She recognises that "we cannot allow ourselves the luxury of too easily closing down our options" when it comes to waste management and urgently calls of a Waste Summit. We believe that this is potentially an opportunity for our industry and will of course approach the Summit in a manner that is both wholly constructive and realistic."

"But, as the secretary of state appeared to suggest, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. There was a mutual exchange of warm words when the National Waste Strategies were launched two years ago. Our industry is still committed to helping the government to achieve greater resource efficiency and economic/environmental sustainability: the package we need includes ongoing political leadership of the type she gave yesterday."

Forum Response: The Countryside Alliance

A spokeswoman for the Countryside Alliance told ePolitix.com: "We support the broad aims of what Mrs Beckett proposed to the Environment Forum at the ERM Green Alliance. We would now like to see the detail regarding the organic action plan - anything which promotes sustainability of rural livelihoods is very much to be welcomed."

Forum Response: Envirowise

Dr Martin Gibson, director of Envirowise told ePolitix.com: "We offer companies practical support to help tackle some of the environmental issues Mrs Beckett raised today. Although the challenges that face us are huge, every company has a part to play in helping us to meet them. Perhaps surprisingly, many of the environmental improvements that we will have to make lead directly to cost savings for companies.

"By improving material efficiency, companies can save money and reduce environmental impacts. Companies that have taken action on improving resource efficiency and reducing waste can expect to save about £1000 per employee. Recent research has shown that 95 per cent of company environmental projects are successful so it makes good business sense to get started as quickly as possible.

"Practical advice on reducing waste and improving energy efficiency is available through the Environment and Energy Helpline on 0800 585 794. This service is free to UK companies. Alternatively, companies can download a wide range of useful publications from www.envirowise.gov.uk. These include more details on how kronospan and walkers crisps made considerable cost and environmental savings."