Nitrate pollution prevention – help available
Posted: Wednesday 19th November 2008
A national package of advice and support for farmers preparing for the new Nitrate Pollution Prevention Regulations has been launched by Defra. The regulations come into force on 1 January 2009 and update the UK’s implementation of the 1991 EU Nitrates Directive.
Around 60 per cent of nitrate pollution in water is caused by agriculture, and it is vital that this is tackled to protect and sustain the quality of the UK’s drinking water. Farmers with land located in a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone (NVZ) will receive a letter within the next few days about how the new rules will affect them. As NVZs now cover almost 70 per cent of England, farmers who do not receive this letter should find out if they are in an NVZ using the detailed maps available on the Defra website.
The package of advice and support aimed at helping those with land within NVZs to meet the new regulations includes:
· A helpline that answers technical queries from farmers and advisers. The telephone number is 0845 345 1302 (Monday – Friday, 7am – 7pm until 31 March 2009). Calls will be charged at the local rate.· Information events for farmers and advisers. The events are being organised throughout NVZs in England. Invitations are being sent out but you can find out about events in your region through the helpline and at: www.crosscompliance.org.uk/cms/nvz or ring 0845 345 1302 to book on to an event.
· NVZ guidance leaflets covering different aspects of the new rules, which will become available in the coming days on the Defra website at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/water/quality/nitrate . Printed copies will be available at events.
· Software tools developed to provide extra help with some of the calculations required under the new rules. These are available free of charge by visiting www.planet4farmers.co.uk or telephoning 08456 023864.
