Time is running out for farmers and growers to register their agricultural waste exemptions with the Environment Agency. The deadline for registration is 15 May 2007. Most farms will need to register at least some exemptions to remain within the law and there are still a lot of farmers who have yet to sort out the paperwork.
Agricultural waste exemptions are good news for farmers. They allow them to re-use or recycle agricultural waste on their farm without having to get, and pay for, a waste management licence. ADAS waste expert Jonathan Whitley explains, "Exemptions include activities like burning your own hedge trimmings, crop residues or untreated wood, the use of your own building waste for farm tracks and the burning of waste in an appliance as a fuel for heat recovery."
"Registering is simple to do and it's free but the exemptions booklet will not come automatically, you must contact the Environment Agency's helpline on 0845 603 3113 and ask for an Exemptions Pack to be sent out. Alternatively you can register exemptions online through Defra's new Whole Farm Appraisal system," he adds.
"Can I emphasise the word 'registered'. This is not an approval process you just have to tell the EA which exemptions you will be using."
A lot of work has gone into making the exemption pack farmer-friendly – it is a simple tick box affair and colour coded to help you navigate through the various options. The Environment Agency say that farmers are less likely to receive an inspection if they complete and return the paperwork.
The Environment Sensitive Farming team has set up a series of free Agricultural Waste events to help farmers sort out their exemptions and to get ready for the Hazardous Waste Regulations which also come in on 15 May 2007.
For more information or to reserve your place visit www.environmentsensitivefarming.co.uk or call 0845 602 3864. More dates will be added so check the website for updates.