NVZs – get the facts
The NFU is holding a series of NVZ (Nitrate Vulnerable Zones) meetings across the East Midlands to help farmers and growers understand the implications of the proposed changes to the regulations, announced last month.
There are a number of significant changes to the NVZ action programme which, Defra says, it must implement to bring England into line with the EU Nitrates Directive.
"I have to say that NFU has very severe reservations about the effectiveness of these proposals and the science behind them," said NFU regional director, Richard Hezlet. "Some of the measures are likely to be counter productive and inflexible. They will also have a major impact on many farm businesses. For example, the new action plan proposals include the requirement for dairy farms to have extended slurry storage provision for up to 22 weeks capacity, and pig and poultry producers, 26 weeks, which could mean a significant capital outlay in building new slurry storage, for producers already under severe financial pressure.
"There is also a significant increase in the area of the NVZ, bringing in large tracts of land in South, East and North Lincolnshire and Derbyshire's Peak District,
which may in some cases, need to be challenged. It is important that farmers and growers get the facts about the implications for their businesses, especially on issues such as increased storage requirements or about the whole farm limit for livestock manure applications of 170kg.ha."
Richard Hezlet continued: "Defra itself admits that the revised action plan may cost the industry between £50 and £150 million a year, so NFU will be pressing for a package of assistance to help producers meet the extra demands of the revised action plan.
"We know that the proposals will have a huge impact on many businesses in the region; on horticultural and arable enterprises as well as the diary and livestock sectors and we urge producers to attend their local meeting to find out the possible impact on their farms. The Defra consultation is open until 13 November and if farmers feel strongly about the draconian measures being proposed, they should provide first hand information to the government."
The meetings are open and free to attend, but places should be booked in advance, by phoning NFU regional office on 01572 824250 or emailing laura.harrison@nfu.org.uk.
They are as follows:
Thursday 27 September - Petwood Lodge Hotel, Woodhall Spa at 7.30pm
Wednesday 3 October - Kilworth Springs Golf Club at 7.30pm
Thursday 4 October - Stuart Goodwin Pavilion, Newark Showground at 7.30pm
Tuesday 9 October - Bluebell Inn, Tissington at 8.00pm
Wednesday 10 October - Market Tavern, Melton Mowbray at 7.30pm
Monday 15 October - Glanford Park, Scunthorpe (North Lincolnshire NFU Branch meeting) at 7.30pm
Thursday 25 October – Huntingdon Suite, East of England Showground, Peterborough at 10.30am