Defra's Nitrates Consultation a Challenge for the Dairy Sector

Dairy UK have stated that proposed changes to the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England posed unprecedented challenges for dairy farmers.

Speaking about the publication of Defra's consultation on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive in England, Peter Dawson, Policy Director for Dairy UK said: "It's clear that this will be a major issue for dairy farmers. Defra's proposals will impose significant costs on the dairy sector such as additional storage requirements.

"Whilst the commercial environment in the industry is improving the majority of dairy farmers would find it extremely difficult to engage in significant expenditure of this kind.

"We are working with farm consultants, Promar International, to quantify exactly how much these proposals will cost, but it's already clear that the Government needs to consider very carefully and precisely how it expects farmers in England to meet any increase in the regulatory burdens imposed on them.

"The industry is fully responsive to growing environmental demands being placed on it, but Defra's proposals represent a significant step change in the obligations placed on dairy farmers.

"During the consultation we will be working closely with Defra and stakeholders to highlight the impact these proposals will have on our sector."