Call for farmers to have their say
One of the biggest regulatory challenges affecting farmers in Shropshire and the UK over the next two years is being consulted on by DEFRA and could have significant economic consequences for livestock farmers.
One of the biggest regulatory challenges affecting farmers in Shropshire and the UK over the next two years is being consulted on by DEFRA and could have significant economic consequences for livestock farmers.
The Shropshire Farmers' Breakfast Club, organised by property consultants Carter Jonas heard from Andrew Wilkins, an agronomist with The Arable Group on the proposed changes to the Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) Action Programme.
Mr Wilkins explained the key proposals for the revised programme, most notably the fact that at least 70 per cent of the land in England, and possibly 100 per cent, will be designated an NVZ, against the present 55 per cent of land area.
The whole farm manure Nitrate loading limit will be increased to 170kg/ha from all livestock manures, this includes grazing and spreading. Changes to manure storage could have a severe economic consequence for farmers with them being required to provide sufficient manure storage space for all animals for various periods: 22 weeks for cattle, 26 weeks for pigs and 26 weeks for all poultry manure.
Other areas that will significantly affect farming methods are the closed periods that will be adopted. Organic manures will be subject to an extended closed period. Manufactured nitrogen fertilisers also fall under closed periods.
The changes to the NVZ Action Zone will not have any financial benefit to farmers but will seriously affect the way they farm and may well incur additional costs.
The Consultation on implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England is available from: www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waterpollution-nitrates/consultation.pdf
The consultation period has been extended and farmers are urged to put their views across to DEFRA before Thursday, December 13 by emailing nitratesconsultation@defra.gsi.gov.uk or writing to: Consultation on Nitrates Directive Action Programme, Water Quality Division, Defra, 2nd Floor, Ergon House, Horseferry Road, London SW1P 2AL.
For any advice or information on NVZs and the proposed changes, please contact Victoria Lawder at Carter Jonas on 01939 210101 or by email victoria.lawder@carterjonas.co.uk
