News release: Farmers in NVZs urged to improve their record keeping
All farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones in England and Wales were today (Wednesday) reminded by the Environment Agency that they need to keep records of the nitrogen fertilisers, applied to their land or run the risk of losing some of their single farm payment.
The reminder comes after recent inspections found that around 1 in 7 farmers visited were shown to be non-compliant with the rules set for Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) - with the majority for not keeping adequate records of the nitrogen they put on their crops. The sectors showing the greatest levels of non-compliance were dairy (35%), indoor pig farming (33%) and beef (33%).
Too much fertiliser or organic manures is not only a waste of money but can also contribute to diffuse pollution. Nutrients can be particularly detrimental to water systems. They encourage excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae, damaging local ecosystems. More than 70 per cent of nitrate and 40 per cent of phosphate in UK waters are estimated to originate from agricultural land.
Nitrate Vulnerable Zones are areas where agricultural nitrate pollution of rivers and ground water is known to be high or rising and cover over half of the area of England and Wales. Compliance with the NVZ Action Programme Measures helps to reduce nitrate leaching into rivers and groundwater and is part of the cross compliance requirements introduced in January 2005.
To meet the requirements, farmers need to keep records of the amount of fertiliser applied to their crops and when they apply it. The requirement covers all manufactured nitrogen as well as manures and slurries. Inadequate records means farmers are running the risk of a reduction to their Single Farm Payment.
Information is available to help farmers with record keeping. For example, PLANET is a free online tool available at www.planet4farmers.co.uk
The Environment Agency encourages farmers to have a Nutrient Management Plan. Farmers who implement these plans can also gain points towards the Entry Level Scheme of Environmental Stewardship.
Clare Blackledge, Agricultural Policy Advisor at the Environment Agency said: "We'd like to see all farmers in NVZs keeping adequate records so they don't lose money needlessly. Keeping records of nitrogen application doesn't need to be a big deal if farmers use the available tools and seek advice if they need it.
"Keeping records should be part and parcel of good farm management so that farmers protect the environment and make the most of their resources. By making the most of manures and slurries and avoiding over-application, it's possible to make big saving on fertiliser costs.
"We'll be working closely with the farming sectors that need to make the greatest improvements by offering information and advice."
