Under the government’s new Nitrates Action Programme (NAP), announced 21st July, from 2009 the area of England designated as a NVZ will affect almost 70% of the country, compared with 55% at present.
When first introduced in 1996, NVZ's covered just 8% of England. This increased to 55% in 2002 and now, 2009 will see a further 15% increase to encompass 70% of the country. This is because existing measures are not providing effective protection of waters from nitrate pollution.
What are the implications for farmers? Defra’s decision will mean major costs for many farmers in the livestock sector, and especially for dairy farmers with cuts in maximum manure and slurry rates, new closed periods and limitations on fertiliser applications all being proposed. New stores will need to be built or existing stores renovated under the new proposals.
Are there any ways to help meet this investment cost? Tax allowances on capital expenditure of up to £50,000 a year on slurry stores are available, and farmers may now want to consider options for manure management such as anaerobic digestion.
On the plus side, Defra has dropped the proposed requirement for all arable land to have a cover crop during the winter months which would have played havoc with spring sown crops such as potatoes.
Is 100% round the corner?
For further information, contact Abigail Deakins on 01905 459425 or email abigail.deakins@fishergerman.co.uk
