Farmers in NVZs are being reminded of the opportunity to apply for a derogation to increase the amount of manure they can use on farm.
They have until December 31 to apply for the derogation, which is a concession to European rules, which allows for whole farm average rates to be 50 per cent above normal limits.
Applications to the Environment Agency must be made annually and those who have applied previously should have been contacted about their renewals. Anyone applying for the first time, however, should do so before the deadline expires.
NFU head of policy services Andrew Clark said: “It is essential that farmers wishing for a derogation in 2011, the majority of whom will be involved in dairy production, get their application in before the end of the year as the alternatives, such as exporting slurry, finding extra land or reducing stock numbers, can prove costly.
“Several hundred members applied last year which was potentially millions of pounds saved for the industry.”
The derogation was won by Government with support from the NFU.
No comments have been made.