European Union-Savings for Farmers.

EUROPEAN UNION-SAVINGS FOR FARMERS.

The EU Nitrates Committee has approved a derogation from the EU Nitrates Directive, saving some UK livestock farmers from burdensome regulations.

The Directive limits the total amount of nitrogen from livestock manure that can be applied on a farm to 170kg of nitrogen per hectare per year. The derogation - granted after considerable lobbying by farming groups and Defra - will allow farmers who meet certain conditions to apply up to a maximum of 250kg.

Environment secretary Hilary Benn said: "This decision by the EU Nitrates committee is of crucial importance to our farming industry. That’s why we have lobbied so hard for it. We have achieved a balanced and workable derogation that will allow farmers to make the most of grass-based production, while also protecting water quality."

Farmers wishing to take advantage of the derogation in England will need to submit an application to the Environment Agency every year. The NFU, though welcoming the derogation, expressed disappointment at the "increased burden of regulation" created by this need for annual re-application.

Details of how to apply and the conditions that must be met will be explained in a guidance booklet for farmers that will be published later in 2009. In addition, a series of information workshops will be organised to support those farmers considering applying for a derogation.